NOW that's something you don't see every day - a man of the cloth brandishing a sword and adopting a menacing stance!

But then again, how many ministers do you know who are self-confessed fencing addicts?

The Rev Keith Hopper took up the sport many years ago whilst working in Stoke-on-Trent. Then he moved to Grassington and there was nowhere around for him to parry, lunge or counter.

"I was getting withdrawal symptoms," he explained.

So Mr Hopper, an expert with foil and sabre to grade six or seven, decided to practise what he preached and looked towards getting a club started locally.

Firstly he gained instructor qualifications and then began holding two night classes a week, in conjunction with Craven College - one at South Craven School, Cross Hills, on a Thursday evening, and another at St Andrew's Church Hall, Skipton, on Tuesday evenings.

In addition he holds a Duke of Edinburgh Award class in fencing on Thursdays from 4pm to 5pm.

A grant from the Temperance Society of £1,000 got him rolling initially enabling him to purchase the kit.

Other kit obtained from the sports centre on Otley Street meant 10 people could start to learn the sport he refers to as "chess at speed".

Now he has regular pupils of all ages and abilities taking advantage of his expertise.

"It's a very competitive sport which anyone can take up and get to grade one within a few weeks. It gets you fit and has a low injury rate - even lower than aerobics."

Mr Hopper says there are now enough people attending his classes to warrant setting up a proper club; something he hopes to do in the very near future.

More details can be obtained from Mr Hopper on 01756 753061.

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