The English tradition could die out in 200 years for lack of recruits

A London council has lent its support to a recruitment drive to help more people become Morris dancers.

From next month, Harrow Council will launch a publicity campaign to encourage more members after fears the tradition could die out in 20 years.

The publicity material will promote workshops open to the public.

The authority has also given its local Morris dancers, the Merrydowners Morris, free use of its 16th Century historic barn.

Anxiety over the future of Morris dancing was raised when the Morris Ring, which represents more than 200 teams, warned that the dearth of new blood could mean the traditional English art dying out in 20 years.

Councillor Chris Mote, of Harrow Council, said: "You see enough stories about councils supporting daft politically correct activities, so we were more than happy to back this ancient English tradition.

"It would be great to see new members signed up after they forget the silly jokes and see this great art close up."