Barnsley-based inline skating champion Jenna Downing was at The Metrodome on 10 January to award prizes to three young people who took part in BPL's pilot junior fitness scheme the MAXX programme.

Daniel Lindorn, 13, of Thurnscoe won a PS3 and Angus Strawbridge, 13, of Penistone and Mollie James, 12, of Elsecar, each won an iPod shuffle. Among the activities they took part in during the MAXX sessions were 'seascooter' sessions, canoeing, scuba diving, water polo and gym sessions.

Jenna of Royston was crowned LG Action Sports World Champion in 2008 and will be the face of BPL's MAXX programme aimed at encouraging young people to take up new sports, fitness and social activities. She said: "I am delighted to back BPL's new youth programme because I know taking part in sport has not only physical but mental and social benefits. It can change people's lives - I know it changed mine."

The MAXX scheme was run at The Metrodome and BPL leisure centres and pools at Hoyland, Penistone, Dearnside, Wombwell and Priory Sports College before Christmas, inviting young people aged from 11 to 19 to attend a choice of free sport and fitness sessions over a ten-week period. Almost 200 took part and the prizewinners were selected through two free draws - one for attending all the sessions and another for recommending a friend.

Young people living in the north of the borough can now take advantage of a similar 10-week programme which starts on Monday January 24th and will run at The Metrodome, Royston and Athersley Leisure Centres, Darton Community Sports Centre, The Dorothy Hyman Sports Centre and Hillies Golf Course in Wombwell. To take part you must be aged between 11 and 19 and sign up at any of the leisure centres.

The pilot scheme will be followed by the launch of the MAXX membership package available at BPL leisure centres throughout the borough.

BPL's leisure operations manager David Redfern said: "The aim of this free taster programme is to getting young people excited about boosting their health and fitness - and that will be carried through into our exciting new MAXX membership."

So far the scheme has involved setting up specially tailored activities to appeal to younger people, such as 'aquatic youth clubs' in the pools and junior spin and circuits, and five-a-side training at BPL leisure centres, and junior golf coaching at the Hillies course. The free sessions were made possible by a partnership between BPL, which provided the facilities, and South Yorkshire Sport which granted funding towards coaching.

The MAXX membership package is due to be launched shortly costing from just £9.99 per month. It will enable anyone aged from five to 15 to take advantage of the new classes and groups, as well as unlimited free swimming during public sessions which are open to children at any BPL pool in the Barnsley area. The programme will also include a range of leisure activities such as computer gaming and theatre groups.

Anyone who has signed up for the MAXX pilot scheme will also be able to access additional free swimming sessions - check with BPL leisure centres for full terms and conditions.