A CONTROVERSIAL pole dancing club opens its doors on Friday -- but instead of a team of dancers taking to the stage just two women will be entertaining the crowds.

Their debut performance launches a trial period for town centre bar The Office's new entertainment programme, which owner Barry Grundy hopes will eventually progress to include six female and two male pole dancers.

But so far the prospect of dancing around a metal pole in sexy clothing has failed to capture the imagination of would-be performers.

Mr Grundy said: "We've been surprised at how hard it is to recruit dancers. A couple of men rang up, but then chickened out and so far we have only been able to get two girls." But while dancing around a pole dressed in sequined hot pants, fluffy bras and stilettos may sound degrading to some women, Claire Williams, aged 25, and Kerry Hilton, aged 21, both from Bolton, are looking forward to the prospect.

They have been rehearsing their routines all week and will finally strut their stuff at the bar in Bank Street from tonight.

The girls are excited about their new jobs and are taking it seriously.

Claire, a housewife by day, looks after her two young children and worked as a lap dancer in Oldham for eight months.

She said: "My parents are proud of me and my boyfriend thinks it's great. He bought most of my outfits."

It is trainee hairdresser Kerry's first job as a dancer. She said: "I just fancied giving it a go, and if I like it I'll carry on doing it. It's actually a lot harder than it looks and you need to have strong arms! "

The Office is still looking for male and female dancers, and anyone interested should contact 01204 437757.