Credit Cards Paid Off - Keep them or close accounts?

Hi Everyone,

I have 4 cards at the minute, and have managed to clear all of them after finally deciding to get it done 12 months ago.(Been in constant CC debt for past 7/8 years!)

Basically what I'm wondering, is there any advantage to my credit rating having these accounts left open, if im not using them, or should I close all but 1, for emergency use?

Am going to looking at getting a mortgage within the year, so I'm interested to know the positive/negative effects these cards could have.

Thanks