BATON-TWIRLING may not be everyone’s idea of combating crime.

But community coppers in Clifton, York, have come up with the novel initiative in a bid to tackle the antisocial behaviour of teenage girls.

Police community support officers (PCSO) for the area have decided to set up a weekly majorette club, which will combine baton-twirling, dancing and cheerleading.

It is hoped that instead of loitering on the area’s streets at night and becoming involved in crime, teenage girls will get involved in the community creative workshops instead.

“There is lot of antisocial behaviour in York and this will hopefully give some of the girls in the Clifton area – or any area of York – a reason to get off the streets,” said PCSO Lisa Penistone, who came up with the initiative and will be running the classes alongside PCSO Mel Parkin.

“This will be York’s first majorette club and will feature baton-twirling and cheerleading and dancing all in one. It is something different that has never been done before and will hopefully appeal to all ages.”

The classes will be held every Thursday at Burton Stone Community Centre.

PCSO Lisa Penistone said: “The woman who runs the centre is also a dance teacher, so she will teach the routines and, hopefully, we can enter festivals and competitions when we get good enough.”

“It will be great just to give something different for girls to do at night, rather than just being bored with nothing to do.

“It is not just for people in Clifton – it is for anyone in York.”

She urged any teenagers who might be interested to attaend the sessions. “It is good fun and something to do,” she said.

The majorette club will be held every Thursday night from February 5, between 6pm and 8pm, for girls aged eight and above.