A MARTIAL arts club in York which nearly closed last year is now "thriving" thanks to parent power.

York Atemi Martial Arts, based at Acomb Primary School, was saved by a group of six parents who took over the club from its previous owner last December and formed a committee.

As well as running the club, they have been trying to pay off the club's debt.

Dr Dominic Curran, 52, one of the club's three instructors, says the club was facing closure last year and the parents stepped in to save it.

He has heaped praise on the parents, who are Rosalind Snowden, Colette Yates, David Snowden, Sarah Wilson, Lisa Hodgson and Carol Dunnington.

He said: "The parents got together. They went to the school and said we propose to take it over and make it a not-for-profit organisation.

"They said, in good faith, we will pay off the debt."

"The club is now running really well."

He added: "I am amazed and impressed by what the parents have done. It was very easy for parents to walk away. I'm impressed with their passion and conviction."

The club, which had about 30 members before the parents took over, now has about 50 members, and about 40 of those are children.

To help pay of the debt, the parents have organised fundraising events and the club has received sponsorship from Portakabin

Dominic, who joined the club nine years ago, said: "It would have been a massive loss for the community if the club closed. The kids don't just learn fitness and discipline, they learn how to deal with things like bullying. It boosts their confidence and self-esteem."

Started about 15 years ago, the club teaches karate, kickboxing and combat judo.

The club's three instructors - Luke Yates, Frank Nielsen as well as Dominic - were all students at the club before becoming instructors.