A GROUP of Morris dancers from Caldicot are joining the likes of Bruce Springsteen and Madness as confirmed acts for this year's Glastonbury Festival.

The Biker Urban Morris Side (Bums) is a group of 20 people from the age of eight to 59.

They have only been going since last August, but have been enlisted to perform for one and a half hours on each of Glastonbury¹s three days in June.

Founder John Dixon, 46, of Caemawr, Caldicot said the group will become one of a very small number of Morris Dancers to appear at the huge music event.

He said: "I emailed organisers and said coverage of Morris Dancing is dying out. We have a full spectrum of ages and want people at the festival to see how much fun it is."

Organisers responded within a week, offering the group a slot, dancing near the main stages.

Mr Dixon said it will do other "scratch" performances, where the BUMS will find pieces of grass to perform on.

Mr Dixon got into Morris Dancing four years ago when wife Mandy, 44, joined Chepstow-based The Widders.

He said: "I watched her and felt out of place not being dressed up. I play the harmonica, so got involved."

There are around four teams in Monmouthshire and Mr Dixon ­ a biker ­ decided to name a team after his passion and start weekly practise sessions in Caldicot Labour Club.

Interest grew quickly. Members range from eight-year-olds Amy Staines and Bradley Morgan-French to 59-year-old Annie Merrett.

Mr Dixon, a builder, said the group aims to do around 20 performances this summer. He said: "We've done around four gigs so far, but our following is growing the more we do."

The group perform a border Morris-style dance. It is a traditional dance that originated when people sneaked over the English border to make extra money.

These performers disguised themselves to stop their bosses recognising them.

The BUMS wear black and white make-up and "urban camouflage" that includes rags and jackets.

The dancers wear top hats and feathers and the band ­ who play harmonica, guitar, drum and fiddle ­ wear bandanas.

THis year's festival is to be held between June 24 and June 28. Confirmed acts also include the reformed Blur, Neil Young, Lily Allen, the Kaiser Chiefs, The Zutons, The Ting Tings and Franz Ferdinand.

More than 135,000 tickets have already been sold and the final batch of tickets goes on sale on April 5.