A Dunster group specialising in historical sword fighting, which started as a group of friends getting together back in January, is looking for recruits for a new course.

The Exmoor HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) grew out of these informal gatherings and teaches 15^th century longsword from the German tradition, meeting on Thursday evenings at a tithe barn in Dunster.

Instructor Toby Hyder said: “I began to notice the positive impact being part of a club and the enjoyment of fencing’s had on some of the members.

“For me it’s about safely enjoying the art. Like all sports there’s always going to be a level of contact, but we teach control and respect for each other.”

Now the group intend to run a new 12-week introductory adult beginner course aiming to covers the basics, likely to start in the autumn. The course will be limited to ten students and is available to over 18s.

Students and instructors are insured through the British martial arts and boxing association and Toby’s instructor’s accreditation is via the British federation for historical swordplay.

Toby said: “In terms of re-enactment, a lot of clubs formed from this interest. We on the other hand formed from a more sporting background and have not had any experience of full armour and re-enactment. However, we are exploring the idea of a sporting competition in the future.

“There are some good venues locally, the tithe barn where we train is suitable, however the castle would be better.”