MORRIS dancing has found a new home in Alcester with the arrival of the White Hart Morris Men.

The well-known group has moved from its base in Headless Cross, Redditch to the Holly Bush, bringing traditional Morris Dancing to the town.

The White Hart Morris Men practice every Monday night during the winter in the back room of the Henley Street pub, perfecting their traditional dances.

Pete George, the group's Bagman or secretary, said the group was well known in Alcester, having performed at the town's annual Sunday Street Market for many years.

They have also performed at the Alcester and Arden Folk Festival since its inception, as well as carnivals, fetes and private functions.

He said: "The side performs traditional Cotswold dances which are a number of centuries old. In fact the Morris tradition is so old that it started before written records were kept.

"There are entries in the accounts of manors and stately homes from before the 16th Century referring to the "cost of costumes for the Morris" and other "donations" to the Morris Men."

He said the White Hart Morris Men had their own traditional Headless Cross dances which they had been performing for several years and were still developing.

"The theme of the Morris dances is virility and fertility and traditionally Cotswold Morris was danced by men. The White Hart Morris Men are a side that wishes to keep alive this aspect of the tradition," added Mr George.

"Age is not important, some years ago the side trained a group of boys, the youngest of whom was only seven years old - our oldest member is 65 and he has been dancing for about 34 years."

The group's next performance will be in Alcester at the St Nicholas night on December 6.

New members are always welcome and potential dancers are invited to an informal workshop at the Holly Bush on Monday, January 23, when the men will demonstrate and teach some of their dances.

For more details, call Pete George on 07818 025283.