CLASSES teaching youngsters how to perform acrobatics using everyday obstacles are being launched in a bid to reduce anti-social behaviour.

Police Community Support Officer Dave Johnson learned about the fast-growing sport of Le Parkour, or free running, after he spotted a group of youths backflipping off the library wall in Burnley.

He approached the youths who said they wanted to get involved with the activity after seeing a group of free runners' on Simon Cowell's show "Britain's Got Talent", but they didn't know where to begin.

PCSO Johnson, who is from Burnley's Neighbourhood Policing Team, decided to arrange sessions at St Peter's Centre so that the youngsters could learn in a safer environment.

Le Parkour, the art of movement, involves using obstacles found in a free runners' path to perform jumps and acrobatics. It is a growing sport that has swept the country after originating in the suburbs of Paris.

PCSO Johnson said: "This sport is practised out doors as well as in the safer environment of a gym, and I understand that it is vitally important to know how to land when doing jumps and somersaults, and these sessions are designed to do just that.

"Beginners are advised to practise daily, to work in groups and above all not to be dared to go too far.

"This is yet another initiative in Burnley to help provide local teenagers with something to do that is different.

"I receive complaints from residents who feel that youths cause concern and this can result in these groups being targeted by the police.

"It is essential to try and provide some diversionary activity for these youngsters, to give them something to do and keep them out of trouble and I believe variety is the key."

Funding was obtained from the Rank Foundation charitable trust for two sessions taught by a specialist gym trainer from the St Peter's Centre.

PCSO Johnson added: "On the second session I have invited one of the experts' in this field from a long standing club in Sheffield to come along and speak to the youngsters and their parents.

"I would ask parents who would like to help with this initiative, to attend with their son or daughter."

The sessions are noon-1pm in the gym at the St Peters Centre, Church Street, Burnley, on Sunday, September 23, and Sunday, September 30.

Contact PCSO Dave Johnson on 07946 552828.