SPORTS officials aim to make exercise cool for kids - with new, cheekily-named classes.

Kirklees Active Leisure has launched Kick Ass Moves, aimed at children aged eight to 16.

Sessions combine dance, martial arts and aerobics.

They will be held from 5pm to 5.45pm every Monday at Huddersfield Sports Centre, at a cost of £2.55 per class.

Freelance instructor Laura Simpson has been piloting the class at Cowlersley Primary School.

She said: "It is an aerobics class, but the boys love it as well because it is perceived to be cool.

"There are a lot of dance and combat moves to learn, which makes it fun, interesting and intense.

"Although I teach some martial arts moves, there is obviously no contact and they all enjoy it."

A teacher at the Cowlersley school, Georgina Rothery, said Kick Ass Moves has been a success.

The school has just received a Healthy Schools Award, partly thanks to its efforts to encourage pupils to exercise.

Ms Rothery said: "Laura teaches children from early years to the oldest pupils.

"They enjoy working with a different adult and doing combat moves.

"As a class teacher I notice the pupils are much calmer after the class and concentrate better."

Children do not need to book to take part. They can just turn up and pay on the day.

An adult version of Kick Ass Moves - Boxercise - will also be held at Huddersfield Sports Centre over the winter.

Other new classes for the season include salsa aerobics, yoga, aquafit, pilates, circuit training and stomach muscle workout ``ab blast".

* Phone Kirklees Active Leisure on 01484 416505.