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Story summary
- Frank Lee, an 81-year-old Cumbria sword maker, is now the last maker of rapper swords.
- Rapper sword dancing began on the north-east England coalfields in the 18th century.
- The dance employed two-handed bending swords in performances by mining communities in Northumberland and County Durham.
- Retired cultural studies professor Trish Winter said miners turned to the tradition during winter layoffs for extra income.