A KARATE club for toddlers piloted in Ramsbottom and Tottington has expanded across the borough due to its growing success.

Young Dragons is a programme of karate-themed activities teaching the basic skills of the ancient art incorporated into fun and games for children aged three to six years old.

The club is owned by former Tottington High School pupil Chris Yates, who has 30 years teaching experience in the art, and is run in the North West by regional co-ordinator Charlotte Bradshaw.

Pilot schemes in Ramsbottom, Tottington, Greenmount and Walshaw have proved so popular that an extra three instructors have been taken on to expand the club with new classes in Hollins, Prestwich, Whitefield, Walmersley, Bolton and Rossendale.

Charlotte, who lives in Ramsbottom, said: "Nearly 20 per cent of children are now obese and getting them involved in a fitness activity from an early age can prevent children in our area becoming one of those statistics."

Young Dragons classes run for 45 minutes with the children working towards achievement badges and provides the basic knowledge needed to enter the mainstream classes as they get older.

For more information on classes in your area, call Charlotte on 01706 828011 or 07709 228083.