Strictly break-dancing teenagers are appealing for pensioners to help teach them ballroom.

They hope to add the waltz, foxtrot, and a bit of Latin to their repertoire and are asking the older generation to step forward.

But so far no senior citizens have taken up the challenge.

The Irlam and Cadishead Young People’s dance and MC project is held at Cadishead Community Hall every Wednesday night until the end of April.

Project manager Sylvia McDowell said "The teenagers really want to challenge negative stereotypes some older people might have of them, but so far none of the older people have expressed an interest in taking part"

More than 70 young people regularly attend projects run by community interest company Positive Moves.

Commissioned by Salford council and backed by the Government’s Youth Crime Action Plan, the project has called for local residents and members of a ballroom dancing group to take part but so far none has responded.

The break-dancing youngsters are also keen to share stories with the older dancers about growing up in Salford to break down the barriers between generations.

Sylvia said: "These young people would even like to stage a South Salford musical called ‘South Side Story’. We would love it if older people came forward for this."

The government set out Youth Crime Action Plan measures in July 2008 to tackle youth crime through tough enforcement, combined with support and prevention.

Salford is one of 60 areas getting help to ensure young people have safe, interesting places to go, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights.

John Paul English, 13, of Cadishead, said: "Doing the breakdance classes is great, it keeps us out of trouble and it’s entertaining.

We want to learn more dance moves like ballroom, so we want some pensioners to come in and teach us"

Ashley Dixon, also 13, from Cadishead, said: "Dance at the project gets us off the streets. It’s fun!"

Coun John Warmisham, said: "I am pleased to see just how many talented young people there are in Salford who want to give something back to their community."

Any older residents keen to take part should contact Sylvia on 0161 7779973.