ALL YORKSHIRE folk will be well aware of the old saying, “Yorkshire born, Yorkshire bred, Strong in t’arm... but thick in t’ead.”

Well, I think this semi-insulting saying has been successfully adopted by County Durham.

I have just read, in another daily paper, about a Sam Smiths pub, the Swan & Three Cygnets, in Durham, which banned a troupe of Morris dancers because the bells on their shoes contravened the brewery’s no music policy.

I have seen/heard Morris dancers on many occasions and while their bells add a certain something to the dancing, they also produce a melodious tinkling when the dancers are walking around. I find it difficult to equate this gentle sound (which is silenced when the dancers sit down) with the draconian no music ruling.

Just one more thing!

I would imagine, should you be passing through Tadcaster and be in the vicinity of Samuel Smith’s brewery you may hear a rhythmic thudding from the pub manager’s office as he bangs his head against the wall when he thinks of all the revenue 30 very thirsty Morris dancers would have brought.

Philip Roe, Roman Avenue South, Stamford Bridge.