PUPILS at a Basingstoke secondary school have been getting to grips with the art of self-defence.

Year 7 students at Cranbourne Business and Enterprise College were given an introduction by Ian Rand, chief instructor at Hampshire Self Protection.

The youngsters learned how to identify dangerous situations and protect themselves in different circumstances.

The session was offered as part of an enrichment day at the school, in Wessex Close, which gave pupils the chance to try something new.

Carly Bridewell, a Year 7 tutor, said: “It was a useful session for the students to learn how to identify an attacker and stop them and it was one of the best sessions throughout the day.

“I learned plenty about self-defence from the sidelines.”

Millie Hart, one of the pupils who took part, said: “The event enhanced our self-defence skills because we learned how to identify when an attacker is going to take action and how to prevent it from happening.”

Mr Rand runs martial arts and self-defence classes for children and adults at Cranbourne and other Basingstoke venues.

For more information call 07888 660225, email or visit hampshireselfprotection.co.uk.