Has teamed up with ex-policeman John Dandy to set up new schools for children aged 5 to 12 years of age in the town, which emphasise personal responsibility as much as they do martial arts.

Leigh Childs has been developing his martial arts business for several years and now runs a thriving academy in Old Town. His new ventures at Greendown secondary school and the Haydon Centre are aimed at improving discipline, respect and confidence so that youngsters can improve their concentration, build up self-esteem and learn how to defeat the bully by diffusing difficult situations.

The 'Character Education for Children' programme has been developed by Leigh and John over the last two years and it particularly helps young people say no to drug abuse and negative peer pressure. Children will also be required to perform well at home and school, by putting clothes away and keeping their rooms tidy, helping around the house and treating family, classmates and teachers with respect.

John says, "having seen so many children placed in difficult situations after ten years in the police force, I felt compelled to take a major career move by becoming a full time instructor. With the help of Master Instructor Leigh Childs, I know we can make a difference in Swindon."

Over 200 children are on the programme at the Leigh Childs Academy in Old Town and the new classes at Greendown and the Haydon Centre will give a lot more the chance to be guided along positive pathways of behaviour.

The classes at the Haydon Centre meet on Mondays and Wednesdays and Greendown on Tuesdays and Fridays. The cost of joining is nothing for the first month. Youngsters can take part for free. To book a space, call 07000 216101