FEMALE Morris dancers took their act to France to sample the Continental variety of dancing.

The Otley-based Buttercross Belles travelled to Countances, in Normandy, where they put on a display in front of the town hall. The group, which includes a number of youngsters, was invited to perform in France by a similar group based in Coutances. Member of the group Linda Pennington said the French style of morris dancing was very different to their own. She said: "It's more courtship-type dances, with mixed teams. It's a lot more formal."

The Buttercross Belles performed displays at an artists' fair and at a coastal village. Some members stayed on in Normandy for a family holiday. (s)