YMCAfit has launched a course in east London to enable local people to train as instructors of Street Dance.

Fifteen young adults from the Barking and Dagenham area have embarked on the new programme, which leads to a government-approved and nationally recognised teaching qualification.

The scheme aims to enable local young people to work with local children and to encourage children to participate in at least one hour of physical activity a day.

Curriculum director Denise Page said: “Street Dance has evolved from hip hop. As well as offering an enticing form of physical activity to children, it’s an ideal workout to encourage inclusion and social interaction between children.”

The initiative is being run in partnership with Castle Green and the Quality and School Improvement Division of Barking LEA.