A 'sexier' version of the Morris dancing costume has been created to try to encourage more people to take part.

It follows a survey which found that one in four of 2,000 people questioned said they would be more likely to sign up for Morris classes if the outfits were sexier. Almost four out of ten people told the survey, for TV channel Blighty, that the current outfits were 'old-fashioned'. The new version was created by TV's Strictly Come Dancing costume designers Chrisanne for Blighty.

It still has bells, a neckerchief, waistcoat and ribbons - but the tight-fitting new kit shows more flesh and sparkles with 6,594 Swarovski crystals, valued at £800. Blighty head Adrian Wills commented: "We believe in preserving great British traditions and Morris dancing is certainly one."

It still sounds like something worn by someone who's into bondage and tranvestisism to me!

The Chippendales? Pah!

The original was here