TWELVE months ago little Sean Ward couldn't kick a football without falling over.

The asthma sufferer lacked confidence and was picked on by other children.

Now the eight-years-old martial arts fan and Leigh CE pupil is a completely different child -- thanks to kick boxing.

He took up the freestyle form of karate 10 months ago under the guidance of instructor Daniel Harrison and at his club's first grading of the year won his red belt and the Best Student Trophy.

His mum, Yolande, of Glebe Street, Leigh, said: "Last year he was unable to kick a ball or stand on one leg without toppling over. His lack of co-ordination was unbelievable.

"Asthma had made him miss a lot of school through being in and out of hospital, and an undiagnosed eyesight problem had held him back -- he had no confidence.

"I didn't find out until he was almost six that he was long sighted and getting glasses made a big difference to help him at school.

"Last year he asked to do karate and joined the Northwest Freestyle Sport Karate Club which meets in Scott Street, Leigh, and he is now a different child.

"He goes twice a week and is coming on in leaps and bounds. Now that his eye problem is sorted and he is not missing classes through illness he has grown in confidence and faces up to any bullying.

"I can honestly say kick boxing has made a big difference to his life. He is brilliant now and all the family is very proud."