YOUNGSTERS in one village are jingling and dancing their way to success in an ancient pastime which enthusiasts fear will be extinct in 20 years.

But reports that Morris Dancing is not attracting the next generation because children are too embarrassed to take part have obviously not reached Staplehurst.

Thanks to villager Anna Nield, a long-time Morris dancer, there is a thriving ring, known as the Staplehurst Morris Minors, which practises the ritual weekly at the primary school.

Mrs Nield, who is secretary of Loose Women Morris, oversees about 12 children aged between six and nine in the finer arts of the dancing which can trace its roots back to the 14th century.

Her son, Tristan, seven, can also be heard jingling his bells and knocking sticks with other children to traditional tunes.

Mrs Nield said: “It’s something they are very enthusiastic about and are really keen to get out into the public eye this year to show people what they can do.”

The children hope to get the proper outfits sashes in school colours, bells, shirts covered in ribbons and carry wooden sticks which they clash vigorously while dancing.

The plan is for the children to take part in the village’s summer carnival and also the Sweeps’ Festival in Rochester which helps keeps ancient rites going in the 21st century.

Mrs Nield would like to see a mixed Morris dancing team in Staplehurst and believes there would be many people who would be keen to join.