GAP-YEAR students and adventure-seekers will soon be able to tap into invaluable safety awareness training as part of a York campaign to keep travellers safe.

Plans are in the pipeline to stage "commonsense" safety and self-defence sessions as a York martial arts academy sets out to help prepare people for their globe-trotting experiences.

Russ Bowerman, who is behind the venture, said members of his martial arts academy had wanted to "do something meaningful" for the community and chose to support Caroline's Rainbow Foundation.

The charity was set up by Marjorie Marks Stuttle, along with her son, Richard, and husband, David Marks, to give help and advice to backpackers following the murder of her daughter, York student Caroline Stuttle.

Ian Previte was found guilty last October of murdering and robbing 19-year-old Caroline in Bundaberg, Australia, three years ago, and subsequently lost a battle to have his conviction overturned.

Up to 40 members of the Russ Bowerman Martial Arts Academy are kicking off a gruelling charity challenge in aid of the foundation this Saturday.

They aim to raise thousands of pounds in sponsorship by performing 3,000 kicks in less than one hour in the Coppergate Centre after a demonstration at 12.30pm.

Russ said the foundation had seemed the perfect cause to support because of its work in promoting safety awareness. Junior members had all heard Caroline's story, and been "very emotional" about it, he explained.

"The parents also feel that this is local and really worth supporting."

Russ said the message of his training sessions was clear.

"There is no item in the world that you have got which is worth your life. Whether it is your phone or school bag, you have to give it up. You have to stay safe. Physical resolve is a last resort."

He said he hoped to continue supporting the foundation's safety campaign by giving "commonsense" safety and self-defence seminars later this year. Full day seminars cost about £35 with student discounts available.

Mrs Marks Stuttle said: "It is wonderful, and the safety-awareness training is a great idea." The foundation's website www.carolinesrainbowfoundation.org has links to organisations like the Foreign Office giving further advice.

Updated: 08:44 Wednesday, July 13, 2005