AN historic dancing group will be forced to fold if it cannot attract more male members, its secretary revealed.

The Chelmsford Morris Men, who have performed at festivals, weddings, parties and pubs for 45 years is in the “worst position it has ever been in,” said Celia Kemp, the group’s bagman.

The team – which in its heyday boasted 12 members – is now only six-members strong, due to injury and dancers leaving because of other commitments.

Ms Kemp, of Saint Mildred’s Road, Chelmsford, has been the secretary/bagman for 12-years.

She said: “If we can’t recruit more members soon we could have fold the men’s group by the summer time.

“It would be very sad because the men’s section has been going for 45 years, and as a group we have danced all over mid Essex and the whole the country.

“As time has moved on the numbers have fallen, and it would be a great if we had to stop, many of the members have been friends for years.

“In our history, this is the worst position the men’s section has ever been in.”

Ms Kemp went on that dancers currently range from 18-70-years-old, who regularly meet to practice choreographed 19th and 20th century dances developed from the Cotswolds and Welsh boarders.

Based on rhythmic stepping, dancers usually wear bell pads on their shins and use props such as sticks, swords and handkerchiefs.

She continued: “We enter competitions and you need a certain amount of members.

“Ideally we’re looking for a team of 12, but to keep the group running we’d be happy for two or four extra members.

“It’s a great way of making friends, we’re a friendly bunch and anybody can join.”

To join, or for more information call 01245 263753 or email bagman@chelmsfordmorris.co.uk