THERE was an air of optimism around a group of youngsters with physical and learning difficulties after they took part in groundbreaking acrobatic classes in Greenock.

The recent Creatability Inverclyde creative movement sessions at the Beacon proved a huge hit with more than 30 young people aged between five and 19, who flew through the air and expressed themselves like never before.

Classes involved additional support needs pupils from Craigmarloch School and youngsters from Barnardo’s and Reach for Autism, who all enjoyed exhilarating aerial dance for the first time.

The week-long programme helped them to develop their communication and physical skills and boost their confidence levels and mental wellbeing.

It culminated in a spectacular finale performance in front of friends and family.

Gail Sneddon, the Beacon’s dance developer, led the programme and described it as a ‘fantastic’ success.

She said: “It’s actually quite amazing.

“If you are used to having your body in a chair, for instance, when you’re in the ropes you can explore space in a totally different way.

“The whole week was about bringing all of our groups together and giving them that experience.

“Those who are less able-bodied got that chance and they just loved it so much.

“It’s been a huge success and all the parents came along to see them at the end.” Gail worked with creative dance experts from the group Waterbaby Dance to devise the programme and they were supported by Rachel Freeman from EveryBODY Dance, who is an aerial artist and practitioner.

The youngsters gained knowledge about how their bodies work, core physical strength, balance and teamwork.

The majority of the workshops took take place in the air, utilising specialist aerial rigging and harness equipment.

Creatability Inverclyde is supported by the lottery Awards for All, Creative Scotland, Get Scotland Dancing and Inverclyde Council.

Gail hopes it can become a permanent fixture in the area to help additional support needs youngsters and give them more opportunities to get active.

She said: “Our aim now is to have a weekly class and an adult class for those with physical needs.

“Then, where appropriate, we can fill kids into our mainstream classes. We want it to be inclusive.

“We’re really excited as to how we can continue this now.” See today's Tele for full pictures.