HERE are two women who have no problem working their way up the greasy pole to riches.

Southampton businesswomen Emma Simmonds, 25, and Nicki Dawe, 22, are busy cornering the market in the latest fitness craze - pole dancing.

They founded the company Pole Performers in November and are already at full stretch teaching routines at four Fitness First gyms in Hampshire.

The dynamic duo already aim to hire a further four pole dancing instructors by the end of the year and are set to shoot a fitness video and host a TV show on Channel Six.

They are also nurturing a burgeoning business selling the poles - at £450 a time - which are an increasingly popular addition to homes around Hampshire.

"It's gone crazy," said Emma. "The level of interest is enormous. We are flying in Southampton and are totally booked up for April and May. We are now looking to take on new instructors very soon and to expand into more gyms."

Men as well as women want to learn, says Emma, who runs classes for all ages and abilities.

"I think this is going to take off and be just as popular as aerobics and kick-boxing and anything seedy about it will be swept away," she said.

A trained dancer, who has done a stint teaching professional pole dancers, Emma says the technique is a fun way to get fit.

"It tones up your body because you are lifting your own bodyweight and you're dancing as well," she said. "I have danced my whole life. I have done ballet, modern, gymnastics and tap and this is a great way to mix it all in together."

For more information visit www.poleperformers.co.uk