THIS dedicated group has been preserving the traditions and culture of south India for the last 36 years.

The Kerala Cultural And Welfare Association (KCWA) has flourished in the borough by teaching anyone with an interest in or connection to Kerala its history and customs.

Originally established as a youth club for the large population of children with a connection to the south west Indian state, it is now a charity.

It provides welfare, academic and career support for members of the Kerala community and teaches sports including football, badminton, classical and folk dances.

Club secretary Ashok Kumar said the group's aim was to educate people about Kerala's rich traditions and keep its history alive.

He explained: "The group gives people a greater understanding of Kerala heritage and background.

"Children can learn more about their parents' and grandparents' background too.

"But also every week around 250 children take part in our sporting activities, from traditional dance to volleyball."

The club also helps people adapt to a new life in England if they've moved from Kerala.

"We help people who are new to England become settled, helping them integrate into society," Mr Kumar explained.

"We help them with any forms they need filling out, help the elderly communicate with people, hold English lessons – we don't want people to be segregated.

"For example, a couple recently moved here from Kerala and they wanted to be part of society and give something back to the community they'd joined. Now they help out with our dance classes, so it really is about helping each other."

KCWA, based in Ecclesbourne Road, Thornton Heath, hosts Onam, the biggest festival in Kerala's calendar, every year.

The club puts on a show of dancers and music and this year held it at Fairfield Halls.

Mr Kumar said: "We hope to bring a little bit of Kerala to Croydon so people can have a taster of our way of life. It is always a fantastic spectacle that people from Kerala, or who are just interested in it, always seem to enjoy."

For more information on the charity, visit www.kcwa.co.uk