RESIDENTS in Bradford on Tone saw New Year’s Day marked in traditional fashion with Morris dancing in the village centre.

Taunton Deane Morris Men performed outside the White Horse Inn at lunchtime and collected for the cancer treatment Beacon Centre, in Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton.

The Taunton Deane group holds its practice nights on Tuesdays just across the road from the pub in Bradford-on-Tone Village Hall from September until Easter, when the dancing season starts.

Members dance out in the village at least twice a year, first on New Year’s Day and then for the summer solstice in June, and they also perform in the area for Christmas and for wassail in January.

The group is always looking for new members, who do not need any previous experience.

A spokesperson said: “Morris dancing is passed on by personal demonstration by our excellent teachers and everybody in the club learns together.

“Come in casual clothes, trainers, or comfortable shoes.

“We have also put together a tuition DVD which makes learning Morris dancing easy.

“It is easy to pick up and great for fitness.

“Our tours are very sociable and laid back and a great way to explore the areas around Taunton Deane.”

Anybody who wants to know more about Taunton Deane Morris can visit its website here.