A kick-boxing instructor is appealing for help to raise cash so talented youngsters can compete in a European contest.

Keith Priestley wants to take five young kickboxers aged between eight and 12 to the European Championships of the sport, which are being held in Trieste in northern Italy.

The fighters attend classes run by his martial arts academy The Fight Club and Mr Priestley said they had great potential.

But the trip on April 26 and 27 will cost about £150 per child and Mr Priestley is desperately trying to find the funds to enable them to go.

He said he knew the youngsters had what it took.

"I know as a world champion these youngsters have got it," he said. "They have got the talent to go and it's their first opportunity to do it."

Mr Priestley said he had taken a team to the championships before and they came back with eight titles.

"I have always wanted to push the positive for Bradford - I am sick of hearing about the negative," he said.

"This is a chance for these children to represent England as we are the only English team going."

He said if the youngsters got to the event, at least some of them could be picked for a team which fights all over the world.

The Fight Club runs martial arts classes at three venues around Bradford.

Mr Priestley has held British, English, European and world titles for martial arts, as well as being crowned the champion of champions and supreme champion for the sport. He is also the chief instructor for the Shindo Kai Kan World Federation.

Mr Priestley said they had raised some money through a sponsored kit and were also planning a fundraising competition between other clubs, raffles and table top sales.

"Every little counts - if we raised £50 then that's a meal for the children for a night," Mr Priestley said. He said any help would be appreciated, including donations or items to raffle.

Anyone who would like to help should contact Mr Priestley on 07970 363448.