There is more to Morris dancing than ale, bells and bad jokes, according to a Barnsley group on the lookout for new members.

Silkstone Greens founder Sally Atkinson has had her fair share of stick about Morris dancing over the years, and puts it down to a lack of knowledge about the traditional English dance.

"I've heard all the jokes about 'which one is Morris?' and 'pull the other one, it's got bells on' but the misconception with some people comes from the lack of knowledge about the tradition."

Morris is a form of English folk dance usually accompanied by music, and dancers often have such as sticks, swords and bells.

Sally, who set up the group up five years ago with friend Melanie Barber, said the name reflects the green in the dancers' costumes and the 'Silkstone' part comes from the coal seam running through Dodworth, where members practise.

The troupe has more than 30 members and is now on the lookout for new blood to boost numbers.

For those wanting to give it a try, no previous experience is necessary and newcomers will be taught everything they need to know before performing publicly.

Silkstone Greens practise on Thursdays, 8pm-10pm, at Green Road Methodist Church, Dodworth.

Their next performance will be at the Dodworth Torchlight Procession on Tuesday, December 18.