CHILDREN at Longwell Green Primary School are keeping the tradition of morris dancing alive.

Earlier this year there were concerns that the sight of dancers at village fairs and outside pubs could soon be a thing of the past because young people were too embarrassed to take part.

But an after-school club called Green Shoots regularly has 16 youngsters practising the steps and taking part in fetes and festivals.

The club has been running for 18 months, with members meeting every Friday. Currently they all girls aged between eight and 10.

Claire Good, 39, who teaches them, said: "We don't have any boys at the moment, but past members have included boys.

"We teach them Border Morris, which is noisy and fun, and the children have a great time.

"They have an outfit of rag coats and they also wear bells and use sticks." Claire dances with Somerset Morris, based just outside Keynsham, and takes along her daughters, Rhianne, 10, and Nadia, eight.

The girls attend Longwell Green Primary and because they enjoyed their dancing and the music so much, Claire decided to offer it to their classmates.

She said: "It has proved a great success.

" I tell them about the history of morris dancing, which has been part of English life for more than 500 years, and how it is danced all over the country and the world.

"With all the concern earlier this year that it will die out in 20 years because of lack of members, it's good to see the children dancing and keeping the tradition alive."

Claire is helped by fellow Somerset Morris member Jean Crook, who also provides the music with an accordion.