A group of youngsters from Barnsley are taking part in a 10-week exercise course at Hoyland Leisure Centre which counts towards achieving their Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

The eight children, aged between 14 and16, who live in the Worsborough and Kendray areas, are carrying out a whole range of fitness activities from gym work, aerobic exercise, jogging, cycling, spinning and swimming on a weekly basis.

During the hour-long weekly sessions, they are expected to make significant progression and are being coached and closely monitored by Barnsley Premier Leisure trainer Dave Batch.

Batch said: "The course has only been running for a couple of weeks but already we have seen huge progression within the group.

"For many of these young people, this is the first time they have been into a gym or leisure centre and they are so enthusiastic, they're a pleasure to teach!

"Exercise is so important to young people and sessions such as these prove that it really is never too early to start becoming more active."

Students who successfully complete the 10-week course will pass the physical section of their Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh Awards.