ST ALBANS MP Kerry Pollard has come up against many difficult opponents in the world of politics, but he faced a different kind of battle last week when he took part in a self-defence class.

However, Mr Pollard was only helping to launch a new skill as part of the Bite Size Intros campaign. He joined a group of people on the basic self-defence bite size course, which was held at the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) offices at 45 Grovesnor Road in St Albans, last Wednesday.

The course provides people with the basics on self-defence and is one of hundreds of different Intros taking place in a range of venues across Hertfordshire.

Organised by the LSC, the bite size courses aim to attract non-learners back into a learning environment.

Mr Pollard said: "These courses are an excellent way of breaking down the barriers of learning by showing people especially those who may not have been involved in learning for many years that they really can do it and that it can be an enjoyable experience."

Mr Roy Bain, executive director at LSC Hertfordshire said: "Bite Size Intros have been designed to provide people with a glimpse of what learning is on offer."

Bite Size Intros are free of charge and available until Friday, June 21.

For more information freephone 08080 200 500 or visit <www.bitesize

intros.info>.

June 17, 2002 15:00