KARATE kids at Kirkbymoorside will be kung-fu fighting when a new sports club opens this week.

Martial arts experts Sean Kay and David Simpson have set up two new groups teaching seven to 16-year-olds in the town.

"We have been running a club for adults in Pickering for a couple of years," said Sean.

"We heard people saying there was nothing to do for kids, so we thought we'd start this off on a Saturday."

The pair, who are Third Dan black belts, plan to hold two sessions each week at the Memorial Hall, starting on Saturday.

Little Samurais will run from 10am to 11am for seven to ten-year-olds, and Junior Bushis for 11 to 16-year-olds will be from 11.30am to 12.30pm.

Sean said: "We thought seven was an appropriate age to start from.

"We hope it will teach them respect and give them confidence, but most of all we think it will be fun."

Anyone interested in signing up for the sessions, which cost £3 each, should phone Sean on 01751 431919 or David on 01751 432825.

Updated: 11:45 Tuesday, May 27, 2003