A Peterborough gym is running a free self-defence workshop to raise money for disadvantaged kids at Christmas.

Immortal 365 Martial Arts Academy of Woodston will host the charity event on March 3 in association with Cambridgeshire Constabulary.

The workshop aims to spread self-defence awareness, including the use of reasonable force and basic techniques to deter assailants.

The event will be split into two sections focussing on women’s and children’s self-defence with a visit from two police officers based at Peterborough Thorpe Wood Police Station.

PC Gedney and PC Alexander will deliver a presentation on the laws surrounding self-defence and the message of ‘stranger danger’ for children.

Any donations collected during the workshop will be used to purchase toys for disadvantaged children at Christmas.

Steven Lloyd, manager director of Immortal 365 Martial Arts Academy, said: “We’re trying to give something back to the community and raise money for children who won’t have much this Christmas.

“We’re looking to raise as many donations as possible. If we can raise a couple of thousand pounds, that would be amazing. If we can raise £10,000, that would be even better.”

Lloyd, 44, who manages the gym with his long-term business partner Peter Holmes, 54, is a trained bodyguard offering close protection services to individuals including local MPs to band members.

Training in martial arts since the age of six-years-old, Lloyd believes the need to raise awareness around self-defence is greater than ever and hopes the event will provide attendees with valuable advice.

He said: “The majority of sexual assaults are carried out by somebody that you know. I’ve got eight children, six of which are girls and they’re all coming to the age where they’ll be going out nightclubbing, and it’s a scary thought.”

“Anyone who is concerned about their personal safety should enrol in a self-defence class or if they can’t, get themselves a personal safety alarm or go to a boxing gym so that they can feel confident.”

For more details on the workshop and to book a place, visit the gym’s website.