GROUPS in Redditch have joined with the police to try to fight anti-social behaviour and knife crime in the area.

Inspector Mark Chapell from West Mercia Police has helped create an initiative with Redditch Boxing Academy and the Redditch Selfdefence Association.

The scheme, which provides people with free training and a support centre, is designed to make people feel safer on the streets as well as encourage engagement of young people at risk of knife crime to try to reduce the chances of them getting involved.

Areas of training covered include anti-bullying training, how to defend yourself against knife crime, how to be more aware of crime, and general self defence.

Redditch Boxing Academy, in Matchborough Centre, will be the main venue and the training will be provided by the Redditch Selfdefence Association, headed by Pete Martin.

Mr Martin welcomed the move and said he is sure the scheme can make a difference in the town.

The scheme will be officially launched on November 1 from 7pm at the boxing academy, where people can have a look around and ask questions.

Following the launch there will be a free weekly drop in advice and support sessions on a Thursday evening and Saturday afternoon which will run for eight weeks.

There will be free weekly self defence training on a Friday from 6.30pm to 7.30pm, also running for the next eight weeks.

For more information or times and dates of the sessions, go to redditchselfdefence.co.uk.