TAI chi students donated £260 to an employment charity – so they could play with swords.

People at the Lighthouse Tai Chi class at Haslingden Sports Centre made a small donation each to East Lancashire into Employment and practiced the ancient martial art.

Instructor Helena Kean said: "The students told me that they’d had a great time and had so much fun learning Chen style sword technique.

“Thankfully, the weapons are wooden. We are extremely grateful to Rossendale Leisure Trust and the sports centre for their support.”