A UNIQUE boys' class is breaking-down macho-man barriers by taking GCSE exams in dance.

The 16 students at Fred Longworth High in Tyldesley are the only all-male school dance class in Wigan borough.

They are leading the way in teaching fellow students that dance is a totally acceptable subject for males.

The 15-years-old sporting lads, members of the school's rugby, football and boxing teams, are described by specialist teacher, Keeley Slack, as "a set of bruisers".

Keeley, who introduced dance six years ago, has put the school on the map through performance art and she will see her rare class sit their exams in summer.

She said: "The boys have been exposed to dance over the years and have really taken to it. They are a really sporty bunch of rum lads.

"They're hot blooded males who have found something they are good at and I'm delighted that they decided to go on to take exams. It's brilliant. They have become role models for the younger boys and hopefully we will see bigger classes in future.

"The girls of course think it's great that the lads are dancing. It gives them good co-ordination and puts them in good stead for when they start clubbing.

"They have already had some performance experience and are coming on a treat."

Last week the class joined 40 of the school's girl dance students at a workshop with the top dance company, Rambert, and then in the evening watched the group perform their work at The Lowry.

A school spokesman said: "Dance has crept into the boys' schedule over the years and they have come to accept it as part of PE. We are chuffed to bits that they have taken to it, but we regard getting them to do it at all as a feat in itself.

"We are proud to be breaking down the macho image that Tyldesley man doesn't dance and is unromantic. We hope to make him more creative and make him feel more comfortable in expressing what he feels, and if that comes through performance art and drama it can only be a good thing.

"We are proud that Freddies is bucking the trend and people want to know how we are doing it. In the past 10 years the girls' GCSE A-C grades have improved 13pc but the lads have improved by an amazing 35pc.

"We are doing something right. We have used 101 little strategies and one is showing the lads that they can perform and not be regarded as cissy. We are hitting the macho culture beast on the head and making dance acceptable.

"And that can only be a good thing."