Kickboxers and karate experts showed off their skills in Oxford and helped to raise money for charity.

The Mayoshindo karate and Khon Ha kickboxing groups staged a series of demonstrations in the Westgate Shopping Centre on Saturday, in support of the appeal to build the new Douglas House Hospice in east Oxford, which will care for terminally-ill young people.

The teams of martial arts experts introduced the art of kickboxing to members of the public, showing how its style minimises stress on joints and is safe for children to practice as a life-long discipline.

Claire Parrish, of the Khon Ha club, said: "It was an excellent day. We generated a lot of interest with lots of people stopping and watching what we were doing.

"Collectors from Douglas House were there and we were able to create a lot of awareness for the hospice.

"The final demonstration we did was where one of the girls was defending herself against two of the guys. It was like something out of an action movie, she was throwing them everywhere and we got a huge crowd watching and applauding.

"We'd like to thank everybody who gave up their day to help us and the Westgate Centre for providing everything we asked for."

She added: "It created a great atmosphere and everyone really enjoyed themselves."

The kickboxing club meets at Morris Motors Social Club, in Crescent Road, Cowley. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

The amount raised for the Douglas House appeal is not yet known.