ED FOSS It must qualify as one of the longest pub crawls ever undertaken, covering a 58-mile footpath and taking in a series of hostelries across eight weekends.

ED FOSS

It must qualify as one of the longest pub crawls ever undertaken, covering a 58-mile footpath and taking in a series of hostelries across eight weekends.

But although the participants may imbibe one or two pints along the way, the main intention is to raise cash for charity - by Morris dancing.

Members of the Weavers' Morris side kicked off a sponsored trek yesterday in Yarmouth, with dancers and musicians performing outside the Britannia Pier and moving off into the town.

Over the next few weeks members plan to dance or walk the entire length of the Weavers Way, which runs from Yarmouth to Cromer via Acle, Stalham, North Walsham and Aylsham.

The effort will be made in stages and is in aid of the North Walsham-based side's adopted good cause, the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

The effort has the support of MS branches in Norfolk and on June 18 the side has been invited to perform at an MS garden party at Sandringham.

Performances will be held on Thursdays at 7.30pm outside The Bridge Inn, Acle (June 8); The Greyhound, Hickling (June 15); The Kingfisher, Stalham (June 29); The Butchers Arms, East Ruston (July 6); The Black Swan, North Walsham (July 13); The Black Boys, Aylsham (August 17); The Buckinghamshire Arms, Blickling (August 24) and The Old Red Lion, Aldborough (August 31).

The trek is due to end with dances at Felbrigg Hall at noon and at Cromer Pier at 2pm on September 16.

Donations made out to Weavers' Morris or Multiple Sclerosis can be sent to the side's treasurer Brian Gaudet at 33 Nelson Road, North Walsham NR28 9HL.