A group of village morris dancers has begun a massive drive to improve the image and boost numbers in their traditional pastime.

Oakworth Village Morris Men are fighting back against a tide of sniggers, jokes and people poking fun -- with a recruitment drive and district-wide poster campaign.

Hoping to attract new dancers and musicians for the upcoming 2005 season, the morris men will host a special beginner's night, at Oakworth Methodist Church, on Monday, from 8pm.

Group squire Mark Ashton, 32, said: "Basically, with people leaving -- through illness or whatever -- we are really struggling to recruit.

"We've got to the point now where we're having problems getting a team out to perform. We're in dire straits and if we don't get any new dancers, it's looking likely that we'll fold."

Mark, one of seven members at Oakworth, joined his morris men troupe when he was only 12 years old.

Formed in 1981, the group is fast-approaching its 25th anniversary, if it makes it that far.

Pleading with people to don the bells, boots, sticks and ribbons, Mark added: "I get stick.

"Friends and work colleagues do have a joke about my dancing but it's just a minority.

"Because when you dance in public, people do stand there and watch.

"I think the biggest problem is education at schools.

"Morris dancing is not brought up when teachers talk about history or customs. It's not just the dancing that I enjoy though, the social side is also very good.

"We take part in events and competitions all over the country."

With one of his campaign posters in hand, which urges people to "keep fit and keep the tradition going", Mark added: "Most people agree to help us by putting up posters in pubs and shops but we've had no calls.

"I just hope people turn up at the beginners night.

"People should ignore the myths, ignore the ridicule because it really is more enjoyable than people realise."

The group meets every Monday, in Oakworth Methodist Church, at 8pm, and will be dancing in Haworth on Sunday as part of the Victorian Christmas weekend organised by the Haworth Traders Association.