STETSONS, cowboy boots, denim skirts, chequered shirts and manic cries of "yee ha" are all things associated with line dancing - but this is an image one Redditch group claims is long in the past for its members.

The Bootleggers Line-dancers started seven years ago, meeting in the now demolished Hewell Road Social Club, later moving to the Rocklands Social Club.

The group holds classes every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday which cater for groups of people approaching line-dancing for the first time and for those who have already got into the swing.

The Bootleggers already have several members who are hitting the heights with their dancing skills, including some who have received national, European and international prizes.

Instructor Richard Williams said: "Line-dancing is continually growing in popularity.

''People shouldn't think of it as an activity only for people wanting to dress like cowboys.

"All that's needed to take part is comfortable clothing and footwear - if people chose to wear costumes, that's entirely up to them."

As well as classes and social events, the Bootleggers also raise money for charity.

One class member's young son was recently diagnosed with a muscle wasting disease and will probably not make it past his late teens. The group raised enough money for him to go to Florida and swim with dolphins.

Since it started, the group has raised about £25,000 for charities and good causes.

During CAFE (Community Arts Festival Event), the Bootleggers will be performing for shoppers in the Kingfisher Centre, encouraging people to get involved and giving out information.

People who are interested can attend their first session free and decide whether they would like to come again.

For more details, call Mr Williams on 07832 218448.