IF you see a young guy back-flipping over a bin in Colchester High Street, or someone vaulting a wall in Castle Park, don’t be alarmed.

They’re probably just members of Free As Air, Colchester’s new freerunning and parkour crew.

Parkour is about getting from A to B in the most efficient and creative way possible, while freerunning involves jumping and flipping over standing objects to get from one place to another.

The crew was started three years ago by Rhys Dealhead and Jordan Sheldon.

Rhys and and Jordan, known as Hope, were inspired by a friend who, despite being fascinated by parkour, could not perform any of the moves.

“Let’s just say he’s someone with a larger build than us,” Rhys says delicately. “But he knew all about it and asked me to perform some of the moves.”

Rhys soon became hooked and got friend Hope involved as well.

Rhys adds: “It’s really addictive once you get into it and there’s a proper philosophy behind it, especially with parkour.

“The idea is to get from A to B in a fluid motion.

“You have to discipline your mind and body, and it really helps to boost your confidence.”

Performing moves in and around Colchester, it wasn’t long before the two started to attract a following.

With another friend, Bruno Feitosa, and two apprentice traceurs (the correct term for freerunners), Frank Hollingshead and Archie Condon, the crew has now attracted sponsorship from a specialised American-based promotions company.

Archie says: “It’s pretty small-scale, but it’s a start.

“The company, based in Florida, is non-profit making and its aim is to encourage more people to get into parkour.

“They’ve given us some wristbands and sweatbands to promote it in our area.”

At the moment the crew, who are all aged between 16 and 17, are working towards a big event due to take place at London’s Southbank on July 11, which is open to all UK traceurs.

And that means plenty of practise, which can sometimes prove to be a bit of a problem.

Jordan explains: “We have to be pretty careful we don’t injure anyone or damage any property, so we take a bit of time finding suitable locations.

“The ideal place would be somewhere with high walls with good drops, railings to hold on to and obviously obstacles, like bins, are pretty good for vaulting and flipping over.”

Rhys adds: “I practised my wall spin on a tree in my front garden.

“Sometimes we even use each other. One of the moves I do is a head-flip through Hope’s legs.”