VIDEO - Sexy new health craze swings into Hastings

As part of Hastings Borough Council's Active Hastings scheme, professional pole dancer Amber is teaching local women how to strut their sexy stuff at Club XS.

Of all the classes being run by the council pole dancing has proved the most popular and the twice weekly classes are packed with women keen on improving their fitness and having fun at the same time.

Despite its rather sleazy reputation, pole dancing is becoming more and more popular and, according to Amber, is a great way to keep fit.

The Observer went down to Club XS this week to watch some local women being put through their paces and talk to them about why they have dumped the gym in favour of the pole.