GIRLS from schools across Darlington have completed a six-week boxing course.

Students aged between 9 and 15 took part in the sessions – which also included healthy living advice and a physiology test – at Hummersknott School.

Youngsters from Hummersknott, Carmel, Hurworth and Polam Hall schools took part in the sessions.

The students on the course included Sadie Watson and Millie Watson from Carmel, Sophie Platt from Hummersknott and Hollie Burke, Caitlin Williamson, Lucy Angus and Katie Bates from Hurworth.

Also taking part Jenny Taylor-Garthwaite from Polam Hall and Abbie Wilshere from St Mary's School, Cockerton.

Wendy Wilshere, who ran the course, said: "It was great to see girls from different schools around Darlington come together and work as a team to earn their awards.

"Starting on February 16, we have open girls' martial arts fitness classes for nine to 15-year-olds."

The classes run from 6pm to 7pm on Tuesday evenings and are non-contact sessions combining drills and skills from martial arts such as karate, kick-boxing, boxing and Kung Fu.

Benefits include increased fitness, flexibility and co-ordination.

For more details call 07866-175-924 or visit girl-fit.co.uk