A CAMPAIGN has been launched to teach the younger generation about a song considered part of Yorkshire’s cultural heritage - and prevent it being lost forever.

The song On Ilkla Moor Bah Tat - said to mean on Ilkley Moor without a hat - has been sung in the White Rose county since Victorian times.

But music teacher Gordon Eddison, from Otley, just five miles from the moor - says most young people do not know about a song that, for generations, has been part and parcel of Yorkshire life.

He fears the song will die a lingering death unless the current trend is reversed and has launched a crusade to save this treasured piece of cultural heritage for future generations.

He said: I’m more Yorkshire than a piece of parkin so this has really got to me.

"If we don’t do something about it, the only way young people are going to get to know [the song] is through a novelty tea towel."

Plans are being drawn up for a county-wide campaign next year.

On Saturday, Otley Brass Band, of which Mr Eddison is musical director, will perform the song in a concert at the town’s King’s Hall, along with a choir of 80 children.

Tickets for the concert, price £7 for adults and £2 for children, are available on 01943-602319 or by visiting otleybrassband.co.uk