A KIDDERMINSTER martial arts club is celebrating the launch of a new academy to mark its fifth birthday.

Russell Perks Martial Arts Academy is opening the new 6,000 sq ft centre on Saturday, June 25 – five years to the day since his first club opened on New Road.

Martial artist and actor, Alex Reid, will perform the official ribbon-cutting of the event at Units 17/18 on Meadow Mill Industrial Estate from 2pm to 4pm.

Owner Russell Perks, 41, said: "We have been in Kidderminster for five years and this new opening will be on our fifth birthday to the day, so it is a big celebration for us.

"We teach a whole range of classes from taekwondo and kickboxing to MMA and mixed martial arts to just over 450 members, ranging from kids aged three to a lady who is 64.

"Our members are very excited.

"We have Alex Reid coming down to do the official ribbon cutting on the day itself and martial arts classes going on as well as workshops for children."