SOUTHAMPTON is producing its own brand of karate kids thanks to an ambitious new self-defence project being run at a city school.

An Outer Shirley Regeneration grant of £3,000 has been used to establish a self- defence and kick-boxing club for youngsters at Redbridge Community School.

Run by Kris Tanaker, the club is also trying to develop a love of fitness and well- being as well as equipping youngsters to be street wise.

It currently meets every Wednesday night at the school.

Kris said: "I wanted to organise sessions for local people in the community to come along to get fit and also to improve their safety. So far the 'Teen Defence' sessions have proved really popular, and thanks to the regeneration money we have been able to provide the young people attending with correct martial arts clothing as well as the opportunity to obtain a qualification in kick-boxing.

All of the youngsters, who were complete beginners in martial arts before they started on the course, are currently working hard towards getting their first belt.

"I am hoping to extend the sessions to offer self-defence classes for other groups in the local area including the over-50s and women only. No experience is needed!"

The small grant that was awarded to the self-defence group was one of 20 grants funded by the regeneration budget out of community groups and organisations earlier this year.

Spokeswoman Alison Bull said the grants are a valuable element of the regeneration budget. She said: "Regeneration is not just about developing multi-million-pound

projects, but about helping to make a difference at grass roots level. The small grants are proving really popular with local groups and it is great to see the money being used and enjoyed by the local community."