Shirley Collins used to use 5-string for song accompaniment; very simply but it worked. Since you're in Ripponden, though, you should have a word with Pete Coe, who uses the instrument in English music and knows what he's about. The Ryburn Three Step folk club meets at the the Alma Inn, Cottonstones, on the last Tuesday of each month, and they also run regular sessions in the area. See http://www.ryburn3step.org.uk/