A fitness instructor is to launch pole dancing classes - for children as young as 11.
Laraine Riddell wants to teach boys and girls to spin up and down on the poles, reports Metro.
Children's charity Kidscape have condemned the move, in Choppington, Northumberland.
The 38-year-old, who also teaches adults to pole dance, believes there is nothing sexual about children learning the moves.
These involve lifting and resistance work which builds youngsters' muscles, she explained.
"It has nothing to do with what you see in strip clubs," said Ms Riddell. "It is a way of getting fit and having fun."
Kidscape director Michele Elliott said: "Pole dancing is an activity where women on stage are given money which is stuck in their underwear. To teach 12-year-old girls pole dancing is out of order.
"I am sure pole dancing is good exercise - but so is stripping. Strippers have great bodies. By all means give the kids exercise, but just skip the poles."
