PUPILS at a school in Teesdale are proving themselves to be fighting fit following the introduction of another popular lunch time activity club.

Teesdale Comprehensive School, in Barnard Castle, introduced the martial arts club after requests from students for karate and Thai boxing lessons.

The school already runs a lunchtime and after-school boxing club.

Neil Green, school teacher and 2nd dan karate sensei, runs the martial arts sessions, which have proven so popular there is a waiting list.

He aims to teach self defence, discipline and healthy lifestyles, while giving students an opportunity to learn a new skill.

Mr Green said: "We have registered the club with the Amateur Martial Arts Association and they have already posted details of novice competitions.

"While we are not ready for this at the moment, it would be nice to think that we could be taking students to novice martial arts competitions in the near future."