The latest fitness and dance craze to hit Limerick is pole-dancing classes, which are held in Scott's bar every Monday night. The classes sold out soon after they were announced.

But the 15 local women in attendance at the second week of classes this Monday were insistent that they are doing this for their own personal benefit, rather than to entertain a husband or boyfriend with their newly found talents.

Sorcha O'Neill, manager of the company Pole Stars, is credited with bringing pole-dancing to Ireland and claims to have taught her skills to some 40,000 women in the last three years.

"Most women want to do it for a laugh and see it mainly as a fitness class. It's very challenging and very interactive. They are really doing it for themselves, although we do have one lady who's doing as a surprise Christmas present for her husband."

Twenty year-old Natalie Manifold from Castletroy said she has always been curious about learning pole-dancing and is now hooked after just two classes.

"It's just brilliant," enthused Ms Manifold. "I always wanted to do it. They make it look easy but it's really hard work. I'll definitely keep going after this class ends."

She said many undergo their beginner's course twice due to the fitness level required for more advanced swings. "Women generally don't have very strong upper body strength so this takes a bit of work. But we'll soon have them doing four to five moves every night," she said.

Already hugely popular in the United States, the pole-dancing craze moved to Dublin three years ago.

For more information log on to www.polestars.ie or call 045 540045 if you wish to book a place on the next course, which begins on Tuesday, September 23.

Courses are priced at €180 for six weeks and classes, which are solely for women, last two hours per night. Intermediate and advanced classes will also be available depending on demand.