BULLIED youngsters have got a new champion in Huddersfield.
Ballerina-turned-boxing- coach Anne Bateson is heading a new programme to help victims defend themselves.
She runs the recently- opened Matt Fiddes Martial Arts School at the Fitness First club in Lockwood.
Anne said: "As far as the kids are involved, they are simply having a good time with non-contact martial arts exercise.
"But at the same time they are absorbing vital lifestyle lessons like self-respect and respect for others and their property, first aid and how to say `no' to bullying, peer pressure, drugs and smoking."
Anne is inviting schoolchildren who are being bullied to write to her in confidence, telling their story.
The most deserving will be awarded free places at the eight Matt Fiddes schools in Yorkshire.
Every entrant will get a free month at the school of their choice.
The competition is also open to youngsters who have been bullies - they too can earn a scholarship by explaining their actions.
Anne, a mother of three girls, said: "In all my time working with young people, I have never come across a programme which is as effective and dynamic as the Matt Fiddes structure."
