A DANCE artist from North Yorkshire has been using her work to keep the locals entertained in the village she lives in.

Ellen Turner, who lives in Cawood, has been using one of her costumes to lift the spirits of the children in the village over the Easter weekend.

Ellen, 33, said: “I have had a really positive reaction, it has been well worth it.

“I wanted to give people something nice for Easter, to keep spirits high.”

Ellen owns the TurnAround Dance Theatre with her two sisters, Grace Turner & Lily Eatherden.

She said: “We were supposed to be putting on shows later this year but they have been cancelled.

“So I thought, I’ve got my costume, why not perform anyway.

“Its better than sitting at home being upset. on my own.”

Over Saturday and Sunday last week, Ellen put on her fox costume and travelled around the village to meet the children, while sticking to social distancing guidelines.

Ellen said: “Even though we all kept our physical distance from each other, this project really connected the community.

“It created a buzz and excitement, which was so desperately needed at this time.”

The dance artist has also been hosting online dance workshops for children.

As well as performing, Ellen also works with people in care homes, delivering dance to people living with dementia and to adults with physical and learning disabilities.

Due to COVID-19 all of her usual workshops and classes have been cancelled, and it means she can no longer visit which she said is “heart breaking.”