The Gazette can reveal that a major cash injection of £5,670 has allowed an exciting new club to be kick-started in the area.

Active Communities have established a Parkour Club for young people with funding secured from Renfrewshire Council seeing weekly sessions being delivered at a local high school.

Parkour is an increasingly popular activity amongst young people and has developed a cult following across the globe.

The idea of Parkour — made famous by a scene in 2006 Bond movie Casino Royale — has already proven to be an instant hit, with two sessions running weekly at St Benedict’s High School in Linwood on a Tuesday evening.

Councillor Stuart Clark, who is chairman of the Local Area Committee, recently visited the group to give his backing to the new initiative for young people in Linwood.

He said: “Active lifestyles are a crucial factor in combating social exclusion and reducing future health problems. In the current climate, it can be difficult for young people to access activities which are affordable and enjoyable.

“I was delighted to give my support to the application for funding for the new Parkour Club in Linwood and it is great to see it has been such a success. There is so much happening in Linwood which is really positive for all ages and it is fantastic that this new group can offer something quite unique for our local youngsters.” The equipment is designed to encourage young people to develop a wide range of skills such as vaulting, balancing, under-bar and over-bar movements and cat leaps.

Cheryl Thomas, project co-ordinator at Hearty Lives Renfrewshire, said she was also delighted that the initiative received the financial backing off Renfrewshire Council.

She said: “This is an exciting new club for young people in Linwood which would not have been possible without the financial kick-start we received from the Local Area Committee. The young people are really enjoying these sessions and we are normally really busy at both groups. The sessions are an ideal boost to the health and well-being of the participants and also introduce a new sport to the area.

“We are grateful to Councillor Clark and the Local Area Committee for their support and I am sure the young people who have been taking on a leadership role will help the club go from strength to strength.” Any young people who live or attend school in Linwood who are interested in finding out more about becoming involved should contact cheryl@activecommunities.co.uk