Women and girls are invited to take part in courses designed to keep them safe when they are out and about.

The free Stay Safe course is for women and girls aged 13 and over and are being run in New Bury to learn vital skills.

These include learning practical self-defence techniques to feel safer when out and about, discovering breakaway techniques, learn how to use power and strength, understand how to use voices and body language to feel more confident, learning to know what to do as a bystander if someone is being harassed or threatened and explore issues about safety in an informal relaxed environment.

Cllr Tracey Wilkinson said: “Women and girls shouldn't have to feel fear in their everyday lives but they do.

“Fear of sexual harassment, fear of going somewhere alone, fear of popping to the corner shop after dark and even the fear of having their drink spiked.

“I feel the courses will allow women to develop confidence, it will allow them to empower themselves, and it will allow them to find safety in difficult situations.

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“As well as reducing the fear that is amongst women and young girls in our communities.

“I recall the lessons given to me by my uncle when I was a youngster and I believe to this day they empowered me to have confidence arriving at places alone or venturing out in the dark of an evening and also be comfortable in attempting to deal with a confrontational situation if one arose.

“I was delighted to see these courses were being offered for free to residents across Farnworth and Kearsley.”

Maureen Flitcroft, a former Farnworth and Kearlsey First councillor, said: “I feel that this is a fantastic opportunity for women and girls to learn the best way to handle any difficult situations they may find themselves in.

“Giving understanding to self-protection and that of others if found in a confrontational position.

“It will help those lacking in self-confidence too and help people gain better self-belief.

“Also, to gain the knowledge of how to judge to get help.

“This is so important to the younger people, especially I feel on top of that it's free, so that's a real bonus for our community.”

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The courses will be delivered by Julie Tweedale from Freedom Personal Safety, who are specialists in the area who run tailored programmes on staying safe physically and emotionally.

The courses are running at Bolton Community Learning Centre on Tuesday, February 21 from 1pm to 4.30pm, Wednesday, February 22 and Thursday, February 23 between 1pm and 4pm.

Women and girls only need to book onto one course by emailing donna.gidman@raisetheyouth.co.uk or call 07507360305.