A PARKOUR enthusiast has denied it is reckless and risky after a Southampton man became an internet sensation when he dangled one-handed from a 300ft crane in the city.

James Kingston, 22, filmed himself hanging above the Admirals Quay development in Ocean Village and told the Daily Echo he did it because it made him feel alive.

But it sparked fears the hobby is becoming so glamorised people are risking their lives.

Now Danny Morgan, 21, who has trained with James after being inspired by his moves at Southampton railway station two years ago, has insisted parkour is an art form people should be free to practise – as long as they never push their limits.

He described how the parkour community – or free runners as they are sometimes known – do not see what they do as being dangerous or daredevil.

That’s because they see themselves as athletes of the cityscape – individuals who are trained both physically and mentally.

He said: “Yes, it’s different, for sure, but once you get confident of your abilities there’s no danger. You wouldn’t say to someone walking or running, crossing a road, ‘Oh, my God, that’s daredevil’.

“It’s no more dangerous than professional gymnastics, and you could consider James an athlete. Parkour takes self-discipline and natural persistence. If we had Great Britain stripes on one day and people watched in the Olympics, people would change their views on it and admire the skills.

“Just because we are guys in tank-tops and trackies, people think we are stupid. “Some people are scared of different. It’s like they don’t want to understand, but deep down how can you not respect somebody like James? He is an extremely humble guy who wants to spend his life following his passion, and he is stopping at nothing regardless of society.”

Danny said there is never any element of competition or peer pressure associated with the hobby. We are not silly and only do what we are capable of, and nobody forces you to do anything.

“It’s about disciplining yourself, changing your mindset, becoming in control of yourself, rather than impressing other people. If I don’t feel 110 per cent on my game, I just won’t do it. It’s crucial people build themselves up and start low and slow.”

Danny, who works at a cafe and nightclub, admits it is impossible to stop amateur copycats, but has already met with the city mayor in a bid to appeal for a designated training area where the group can influence younger teenagers.

He says that, at the root of the hobby, is not just physical strength, but a different state of mind.

Moreover, Danny says it has transformed his outlook on life and believes parkour has the power to have a positive influence on young people in Southampton.

Danny, who has also climbed cranes and buildings including The Mall Marlands, said: “Personally I have grown and developed from an energetic excited teenager to a disciplined humble adult thanks to James’s influence.

“We can never stop how people are influenced, but we can only hope to cross the paths of the ill-informed and misguided and hope that we somehow positively influence and inspire them with our own particular parkour community.

“We love what we do, and once you have a passion in your heart you cannot put that out.”