Morris dancing group's hopes over future

Furness Morris, based in Ulverston, was founded in 1963

A Morris dancing group, which was in danger of folding after 62 years, has been thrown a lifeline.

Furness Morris, based in Ulverston, Cumbria, said up to five new members could be joining in the autumn.

Recruitment sessions were held in June, with some of those who attended in their 20s.

Les Ord, who has been with the band for 50 years, said he had "a big smile" on his face when he saw younger people walking in.

"They're in the age range that I was when I started," he said.

"If we've got enough new people, I'd happily pass on my knowledge and retire as it were."

The group had hoped to attract new members so it could pass on the tradition of the English folk dance.

Mr Ord, who is the band's second longest-serving member, said he was feeling "a bit more optimistic" about its future.

The group, pictured in 2023, needs about a dozen new members

Furness Morris was founded in 1963 and had 20 members in its prime.

However, numbers have dwindled to just eight and the band warned back in May it may not survive unless about half a dozen new dancers joined.

Mr Ord said the band was "certainly going to carry on" in the immediate future, following the two recruitment sessions.

"I'm a bit more optimistic than I was but we won't know really until after the summer when we get into practice season properly and see what people's commitments are to the group," he said.

"We haven't called it a day, yet."