A kick-boxing champion is offering free martial arts classes to teenagers in Irvine in a bid to beat bullying.

Former World Kickboxing Association (WKA) Scottish champion Richie Harkin opens the doors at 6 West Road to give teenagers free coaching and advice.

The retired fighter has launched classes twice a week in his hometown hoping to get 13 to 16-year-olds off the streets, teach them discipline and give them the confidence and skills to overcome bullies.

Mr Harkin said: "There's not really a lot of stuff to do in Irvine, especially in the town centre, and to get a few of them off the streets and give them something positive to do and train for free for a couple of hours.

"I have experienced bullying myself so I know what it is like, I know how it feels when you are at school."

He added: "You don't have any confidence to overcome the bullies but the martial arts gives you that confidence in yourself to walk with your head held high.

"They have got the confidence in themselves through training and competitions.

"They are the ones who will usually not fight. They have confidence to end a situation quickly."