A DANCE group is appealing for new members to join them.

Newcastle Edwardian dancers are looking for new members to help keep alive a tradition that has so far lasted over 70 years.

Since 1946, the Newcastle Edwardian Ball has been held almost every year to celebrate the music and dance of the Edwardian era, which began with the ascension to the throne of Edward VII in 1901.

Janet Cusworth, a member of the group said: "The Edwardian Dancers not only try to recapture the spirit and manner of those bygone days, but have also raised money for numerous charities, including the Alzheimer’s society, Percy Hedley, St Oswald’s Hospice, Leonard Cheshire, the People’s Kitchen and Age Concern.

"The first ball saw carriages arriving at the Old Assembly Rooms to dance the hours away with the Lancers, the Quadrilles and other Edwardian dances.

"Nowadays the dancing is a little more modest, but just as much fun.

"Practice sessions are held at Ponteland Community Primary School on Callerton Lane.

READ Pupils could be punished for 'TikTok-inspired' protests

"These are for new members to learn the dances and to jog the memory of more long-standing members of the group.

"The lessons are then followed by a more formal dance, although we do not go as far as wearing traditional Edwardian dress!

"Unfortunately, numbers have fallen in recent years and we are looking for new dancers to join us."

The next series of practice sessions will start on Friday, March 10 from 7pm until 9pm. If you are interested, please contact edwardiandancing@gmail.com.