These karate kids learned self-defence techniques during a martial arts lesson at their school.

Joe Segar, a specialist coach and security specialist, put pupils at Hampton School through their paces and taught them the importance of personal safety.

The boys, aged 12 and 13, learned how to recognise and avoid confrontations.

But Mr Segar emphasised during the session on Thursday, June 14, that they may need to use self-defence techniques to help them get out of a difficult situation.

He taught them a range of protective moves to deflect their attacker and give them time to run away.

He said: “The key to keeping themselves safe is awareness and avoidance. I always tell them - use your brain and your feet.”