IN THE past pole dancing has suffered from an image problem.

To many people it conjures up an image of back street clubs full of drooling men and scantily clad girls.

But a Swindon dancer is setting out to change this stereotype.

Christine Davies of West Swindon, who runs pole dancing fitness lessons in London Road, is hoping to turn the dance into a sport here in the town.

Miss Davies, 27, worked as a professional dancer for six months in some of the country's top clubs, including Stringfellows in London, before going solo.

"I wanted to learn about the industry and see for myself what it was about," she said.

"The feeling you get when you're on the pole is amazing.

"You're not there because you're a show-off - you're there because it's good for body and it boosts your self confidence."

And Miss Davies, who also runs the classes for New College, wanted to show other girls how good it can make you feel.

"There's so much interest in pole dancing now which is why I set up my classes," said Miss Davies.

"I've spoken to a lot of girls who want to learn the dance without having to go into the industry."

At the classes girls, as well as men, start to learn the basic moves before graduating to more difficult stamina-building sequences.

In a 45-minute session you can burn 250 calories.

And if it's good enough for celebrities such as Kate Moss, and Kelly Brook it's good enough for Swindon.

"At the moment I've got 30 people who come along to the classes and we have a great time," Miss Davies said.

"You can see them getting a confidence boost which is great.

"I get all sorts of people coming along from girls as young as 15 to middle aged women and their all different shapes and sizes.

"Some people pick it up really quickly and others take a bit more time."

But what Miss Davies really wants is to create a high profile pole dancing contest in the town.

"Pole dancing is an art form and is a sport and what I'm looking to do is to organise a competition for dancers in Swindon.

"At the moment we're rehearsing for a show that I'm going to put on in the next two months and if that goes well I'll hopefully set up the contest."

Vanessa Bryne, 36, of Taw Hill has been attending the classes for the last five weeks.

"I absolutely love it they're so much fun," said the Royal Mail project assistant.

"I've been going to the gym for 10 years and in all that time I haven't seen results like this.

"I'd never want to go into a club to pole dance. I just come along for the fitness."

Kate Thomas, 19, of Park South, is also a keen student.

"The classes are a fantastic way to get fit and meet new friends," said the actress.

To join one of Christine's classes call her on 07789 621650.