IN 1978 an after-school club was formed at what was then Thomas Hardye School for Boys - and one of the activities was morris dancing.

Exactly how is a dim memory to those involved but from those roots at the after-school club, Frome Valley Morris was born.

Distinguished by their white clothing, black top hats and blue, white and green ribbons, the dancers of Frome Valley Morris have performed the Cotswold style of morris dancing at pubs throughout West Dorset every Thursday evening during the summer for the last 30 years.

When the group celebrated its 30th birthday during the Dorchester Festival, many former dancers and musicians returned for the day.

Bagman Chris Preece said: "We danced in the Borough Gardens in the morning, our current group of dancers swelled by the ranks of enthusiastic past members.

"The day ended with a party, ceilidh, lots of reminiscing and beer.

"It was an emotional day with lots of stories about how important being a member of Frome Valley had been to different people. For several people it had had a huge impact on their lives, if not changing them, and at least one Dorset ceilidh band traces its roots to Frome Valley."

Some musicians have even left behind tunes written for Frome Valley Morris, one named after the pub in which they practise, the Wise Man in West Stafford.

Chris said: "We are continuing the tradition of dancing on Thursday evenings. This year, we have tried to organise our summer dance programme, as closely as possible, to resemble the original schedule of 1978. Some of the pubs no longer exist, so there are some amendments but in the main we are retreading old paths."

Frome Valley Morris has danced at several folk festivals in Dorset so far this year and there are a number to come. One highlight will be the Evolve Festival in Weymouth on July 26 at which they will also hold a workshop where people can experience the traditional English dance that has kept Frome Valley Morris dancing for the last 30 years.

Chris added: "Come to the Evolve Festival and try morris dancing - it might change your life."

If you would like to know more or join Frome Valley Morris on a Thursday night, visit www.fromevalleymorris.co.uk