'It's great to feel more confident...'

MARRIED mum-of-three Tania Wright took up pole dancing six months ago.

The 43-year-old, of Birchendale Close, Lower Tean, is taught alongside her daughters, Liane, aged 22, and Kelly, 21, at Deb Riley's studio in Longton.

"I got into it because I wanted to do something different with my daughters," explains Tania, who is married to Jez, a 45-year-old test driver for JCB, "and we go once a week.

"I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to have a go."

The full-time mum and housewife, who also has a son, Max, aged 16, says her first experience of pole dancing was different to what she'd expected.

"A lot of people think it's just a lot of prancing around a pole," says Tania, "but it's a lot more physical.

"The sessions last for an hour and the fitness side of it is just amazing. It's so different to aerobics.

"After just three or four weeks my husband noticed a change in me. He couldn't believe how toned I was.

"It's great to be able to do something like this, especially at my age, and to feel more confident."

During the six months, Tania has progressed to learning some difficult moves, and she adds: "If I really thought I was good enough, I'd probably love to go on a stage.

"I think the image of pole dancing is far different now. It's just another form of dance.

"It's so elegant and so lovely, and when you watch Deb do some of the moves, it takes your breath away."

Tania's daughter Kelly says her mum is the best out of the three of them.

"She is absolutely fantastic," says Kelly.

"Which just goes to prove that age doesn't matter."