Nescot Performing Arts Company, UpStage Right, will use their skills to keep an ancient tradition alive next month when they visit Birmingham to perform the Abbot Bromley Horn Dance - and get unsuspecting locals to join in.

The project, funded by the Lottery Heritage Fund which aims to widen participation in British heritage, will also be filmed as part of a documentary for the new Birmingham Library Online Archive.

The origins of the mysterious and atmospheric dance, which has been performed by the men of Abbot Bromley in Staffordshire for nearly 800 years, are believed to date back to pre-Christian times.

Writer and performer Jayn Winslade, who has written a fantasy adventure inspired by the Horn, set up the project to keep the magic of the historical ritual alive for future generation.

The giant antlers used by the performers were recently carbon dated to around 1,000 years old but may well be replacements for older versions.

Mrs Winslade said: "There’s something irresistible about this dance and we find members of the public love to take part. As the original antlers are so heavy, the movements are very simple and accessible yet they give people the most terrific amount of pleasure."

Gillian Hipp, a dance tutor at Nescott, expressed the importance of her students understanding the evolution of dance and how earlier forms of expression have given rise to modern movements.

"At a time when there are concerns about our young people feeling out of touch with their heritage and communities, the documentary footage will form part of the proud history of these important rituals."