IF YOU thought Ferndown was full of old fuddy-duddies who resist change, think again.

Civic leaders have given a cautious welcome to pole dancing and some are even threatening to give it a whirl - vertigo permitting.

The company which now runs Ferndown Leisure Centre is offering taster lessons in the latest exercise craze.

And if successful, regular courses could start in the autumn.

Ferndown district councillors Pauline Reynolds and Maureen Godfrey welcomed the news.

Mrs Reynolds said: "I think any form of exercise should be encouraged. I would have a go but it depends on how high it is - I suffer from vertigo."

And Mrs Godfrey said: "I like the sound of this - it's a good form of exercise. I've started back at yoga and this might also be good for my agility."

Chairman of East Dorset District Council Queenie Comfort said she would be amazed if there was much take up for it.

"I have no moral objections it," she said.

"The choice is there - if people want to throw themselves on poles, that's fine. I don't think I will be having a go - I'm too far into my declining years but I'm no killjoy."

New mayor Peter Ogglesby said it was "progressive".

"We must allow the public to judge," he said.

Deb Green for DC Leisure which runs the centre for Dorset County Council said the class was far removed from the seedy image of pole dancing.

"It's a great way to exercise, tone up your body and build up your confidence," she said. "It's a bit more exciting than aerobics."

Youth and community boss for DCC Derek Higton said: "These classes are purely about helping women improve their fitness. Similar classes are run elsewhere in the country and the county council sees no problem with them."

First published: May 26