Children are swapping the pitch for the sidelines and balls for pom-poms as they take part in an American craze which is sweeping the West.

The Gloucestershire Health and Raquets Club has become the first in the region to launch a Cheerleading Academy, providing lessons for children and adults.

The phenomenon is partly due to the unstoppable films High School Musical, an all- singing all-dancing American musical which recently released its third installment.

The first session, which took place this week, had almost 30 excited youngsters learning star jumps, fun chants and cartwheels to combine into a cheer.

As High School Musical fever continues to grow, little girls and even the odd boy, are literally jumping at the chance to take part in cheerleading sessions at the health club.

Teacher Claire Nadin has been cheerleading for more than eight years. The 26-year-old primary teacher introduced a cheerleading class at her school, Ashleworth C of E near Gloucester.

Head teacher Sarah Bunce said it had proved so popular that almost every single girl in the school was taking part in cheerleading lessons. The school team, which chants for APS (Ashleworth Primary School) even took part in a competition earlier this year, in which it came second.

Ms Bunce said: "It's really captured their imagination."

Ten-year-old Holly Finch, one of the older girls, said: "I had seen cheerleading on TV and wanted to find out what it was like. Because I'm quite strong I have to hold people in the lifts. We did a competition in May. It was very exciting."

Holly's aunt Amanda Finch, whose nine-year-old son Jack also cheers, said: "I think it's brilliant. The children totally enjoy it. You can see how excited they get. As a parent it's great to see them enjoying exercise."

Helper Stef Croker added: "You don't have to be amazing at sport and when you're doing it you don't even realise you're exercising. It's addictive. I can see it getting as big here as it is in the States."

It comes as health bosses try to boost physical activity among children in order to tackle a looming obesity crisis. Department of Health research suggests nine out of 10 children will be obese or overweight by 2050.

Kim Harvey, family activities manager at the club, said: "The key is to find something which really captures their imagination and we feel sure that cheerleading will be the very thing to get children excited and committed.

"Cheerleading is the perfect combination of song and dance, incorporating gymnastic moves with cheers and chants. And as well as being great fun, the sessions promote strong teamwork, discipline and confidence."

Sessions take place at the club on Monday evenings and are divided into classes, one for children aged four to 11 and the other for those between the ages of 12 and 17. Adult are also welcome to find out more about joining a cheerleading group.

For more information about the lessons call 01452 651000.