Dancing their way into the record books (From Congleton Guardian)

Dancing their way into the record books

12:00pm Sunday 25th May 2008

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MAYPOLE dancers are hoping their barber's twist will prove a record-breaker.

A total of 150 school children teamed up in a bid to break the world record for a maypole dance.

The children come from Congleton primary schools, and performed a barber's twist, a traditional maypole dance.

They danced continuously for five minutes at Hankinson's Field behind Congleton Leisure Centre around a huge maypole.

The event was filmed as evidence to be sent to the Guinness World Records.

The record-breaking bid was watched by a large crowd, and the youngsters were kept in step by Jill Young from Congleton Ballet School.

The dance was organised by Congleton Town Council and Congleton Community Projects, and was the idea of town centre manager Jackie MacArthur."It was a great success, and shows the fantastic community spirit we have in Congleton," said Jackie.

"The dedication of the children, organisations, local firms and community groups in working together to achieve this spectacle is incredible."

The 150 30-metre long ribbons were provided by Congleton firm Berisford Ribbons, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary.

The maypole was designed, built and installed by fellow Congleton firm Site Engineering Services.

The previous record was 128 dancers, and four Congleton youngsters were eliminated for breaking the rules.

The record bid will be supported by three sets of video evidence, photographs and sworn evidence by Congleton Mayor Denis Murphy and Jean Clarke from the Jean Clarke School of Dance.

To see a video of the maypole dance visit www.congleton-tc.gov.uk.

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