A GROUP of Teesdale morris dancers have been introducing the French to the tradition.

Members of Black Sheep Morris, who organise the Teesdale Thrash in Barnard Castle each May, were invited to Poix in Picardy to take part in a folk festival.

Karen Tranter, of Barnard Castle, said it was the third time the team had been invited

"Poix is about the size of Barnard Castle and we danced in the market square on the Saturday afternoon of our long weekend," she said.

French people are unfamiliar with morris dancing, but were enthusiastic learners.

"We were very well received, because there is nothing akin to it in France," said Mrs Tranter.

The group also taught some of the intricate dances to local people during their stay