Everybody was kung-fu fighting at a martial arts gym to help give cub scouts exciting opportunities to learn new skills.

Scout leader Steve Hart and 25 cubs from the 3rd Squirrels Heath pack visited Battlefield Muay Thai Gym, Hornchurch Road, Hornchurch as part of effort to gain new badges.

The gym’s chief instructor Grant Girey was happy to oblige and as a special treat made sure four junior European champions were on hand to show off some skills.

“We were very lucky to get a response from Grant and Dee who opened their doors to us and made us very welcome,” Steve said.

“The junior European champions, taught the cubs how to safely kick and punch the pads that the gym had for us to use.

“After an hour and 40 minutes of workout the champs suited up and gave the cubs a demonstration of the discipline that is practised in the gym, Muay Thai.

“I have to say that at 17 stone and six foot two, I was very impressed at the level of skill that these ‘kids’ showed and I am in no doubt they would make mince meat of me.”

The intercontinental junior champions – Gabby Stankeviciute, 16 in the under 60kg category, Edvin Sefolli, 16, in the under 66kg category, multiple British title holder Chloe Girey, 14 and Katie Girey, 12 current under 11 title holder – have been selected for the International Sport Karate and Kickboxing Association (ISKA) Team GB squad.

They will defend their titles at the world championships in Athens in May.