A Kendo club from Rickmansworth has helped to collect £1,600 for charity at a fundraising tournament.

Kodokan Kendo club, based in the Royal Masonic School for Girls in Chorleywood Road, took part in the event, held in the Watford Leisure Centre Central.

More than 70 people attended the event, some travelling from Bulgaria, China, Ireland, Japan, Romania and Spain as well as across the UK, on April 2.

Kendo is a martial art which uses wooden weapons and protective body amour, originally practiced by Japanese samurai warriors to hone their swordsmanship.

Money raised will be donated to the Macmillan Cancer Support and Maggie's Cancer Caring Centres, and this year a percentage will go to the Japanese Red Cross tsunami appeal.

Paul Budden, instructor, said: “Both the exuberance of the competitors and the generosity of the people attending never ceases to amaze and impress, many thanks to all who contribute and compete each year.”