STUDENTS from two East Riding schools are using their fists to develop self-respect and discipline.

Youngsters from Sydney Smith and Wolfreton School are being taught by some of the region's top boxers as part of their PE lesson.

Boxers Curtis Woodhouse and Tommy Coyle will be taking part in the training sessions at the schools.

Lightweight boxer Mr Coyle said: "It's a fantastic idea and it will have a positive effect on the students. I wasn't the best pupil at school, but boxing definitely helped me.

"It improves discipline. They will learn to respect themselves, which in turn will help them respect other people.

"It will show them what can be achieved. As I have told them, it is not smart to be tough, but tough to be smart."

The ten-week course comes after police from Kirk Ella police station were successful in securing £2,100 from the Tribune Trust and both secondary schools.

Declan Murphy, 15, is one of 20 students, aged between 13 and 16, from both schools taking part in the course at the City Of Hull Amateur Boxing Club in north Hull.

He said: "I like it, especially the adrenaline rush from punching a bag.

"I have also started boxing at the All Saints club. It has made me more confident and it is a lesson I look forward to every week."

Classes take place on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays. The aim is to promote fitness, healthy eating, self-respect and discipline.

Boxing trainer Steve Pollard, who has started coaching the students, said: "It is going well. I'm teaching them several things, including punch combinations.

"The main aim is not to teach them how to fight, but how to defend themselves when they are under attack.

"I think this sort of project should take place all over the country."

PC Andy White, of Kirk Ella police station, said they have set up this scheme in a bid to promote team ethos.

The students initially invited to take part in the boxing classes are already involved in an allotment project with the neighbourhood policing team, in which they grow vegetables to hand out to the elderly.

PC White said: "The idea to set up this boxing club came when the allotment project naturally came to the end, as the darker nights drew in.

"I wanted to keep the pupils, who have come on so well during the allotment project, enthusiastic and working as part of a team, so started looking at a winter activity."

The police are appealing for bottles of water and fruit for the course. Anyone who can help should call 01482 307213.

Mr Pollard is also urging any schools or groups interested in the project to call him on 07951 229351.