It's as English as warm beer and fish and chips...but maypole dancing is becoming a dying art.

Now residents on a Bradford estate are rallying round to bring the tradition back to life.

But there's just one little problem...

The Culture Club, a community group at Ravenscliffe that wants to bring maypole dancing back, doesn't have a maypole to dance around and they don't know any of the dances.

But a little thing like that isn't going to stop them.

Community group leader Muppett - the name everyone knows him by - is a man on a mission.

He is desperately hunting for the pole and the expertise.

Muppett hopes there is someone in the area who can provide the group with a maypole and teach youngsters all the dances before a parade in Ravenscliffe and Greengates on May 2.

"Maypole dancing is a long standing Mayday tradition and we hope the Mayday parade will be an opportunity for local people to come together and celebrate," Muppett said.

"The Culture Club runs all sorts of activities and celebrates festivals from all religions to give the community the opportunity to learn about each other's cultures."

Maypoles were long associated with the coming of summer and historically acted as a focal point for May festivities or games, marking the spot where everyone should meet.

The first reference to Maypoles was believed to be in 1350 when they were brought into cities, parishes and villages, accompanied by Morris dancers and performances of Robin Hood plays.

The Maypole was traditionally given to the community by the local gentry.

During the Puritan rule of Britain Maypoles were banned by an Act of Parliament in 1664, but re-erected on the restoration of the monarchy. Maypoles are still used today to celebrate royal anniversaries.

Children from Killinghall, Parklands and St Brendan's Primary schools have been busy preparing their costumes for the parade.

The children will be dressed in masks and costumes ranging from the Green Man and the May day King and Queen.

The costumes have been designed and created with the help of an artist from Artworks which is also supporting the project.

Anyone who can help with a Maypole or offer advice about dances should call Muppett on (01274) 432420.