ENTHUSIASTS have kept a Cheshire tradition alive to support cancer patients.

Earl of Stamford Morris performed the Halton Souling Play and raised £626 for Halton Haven Hospice.

The group revived the play in 2000 from a version published in 1886 and have been staging it in local villages every year since then.

They performed the play, traditionally staged around All Souls Day, over four nights, collecting donations for the hospice.

The group would like to thank everyone who watched their drama and supported the charity.

They say a unique feature of the Cheshire plays is the appearance towards the end of the horse and driver.

The Cheshire horse always has a real skull and three legs.

What it all means is lost in the midst of time but there is clearly the traditional element of death and rebirth, as well as begging.

The group is made up of men and women who perform traditional morris dances at village fetes, local events, and morris days of dance around the country.

They meet on Tuesdays from 8 to 10pm from September to May in the Milner Institute in Moore.

They dance at local pubs on most Tuesday evenings during June, July and August, often with other local sides. New members are welcome.

Call Carol Bowden on 01925 740150 for more information.