PUPILS at Larkmead School in Abingdon were given top tips on how to defend themselves from an underworld of crime and combat.

Children’s author Chris Bradford was at the school on Wednesday to pass on his martial arts training.

The Young Samurai series writer trained as a professional bodyguard, taking courses in unarmed combat, defensive driving, firearms, surveillance and anti-ambush exercises.

He was helping youngsters dive headfirst into the themes of his books.

Barney Jopson, 12, played hostage to the award-winning author.

He said: “It was great fun and very entertaining to listen to. I’ll probably read the book.”

Mr Bradford was giving students a flavour of his latest book, Hostage, the first in a planned series called Bodyguard.

He said: “The students got an insight into the life of a bodyguard and a little taster in how to protect themselves.”

Young Samurai: The Way of the Warrior was voted one of Puffin’s 70 best books.