A mother-of-three from Macclesfield has launched a new self-defence class for women.

Strike Back, the world's largest all-female self-defence organisation, has officially arrived in Macclefield.

Leading the local franchise is 36-year-old Zoe Hanrahan.

She said: "Strike Back is about empowering women to build confidence and skills, use their voice to keep themselves safe and, if required, have the physical techniques to be able to create an opportunity for escape.

"It's not about fighting, it's about getting home to our families safely.

"I am beyond excited to share the knowledge I have gained through Strike Back, while adding my own style and experience to empower people in our community."

Lifelong Macclesfield resident Zoe qualified as a boxing instructor 18 years ago at Macclesfield Boys Boxing Club.

Last year, she took part in a charity boxing event at Tytherington FC, helping to raise £10,000 for East Cheshire Hospice, Silklife Food Bank and Space4Autism.

She then began training for the Manchester Marathon and it was an incident that occurred during her training inspired her to launch Strike Back.

"I spent a lot of time running alone early in the morning," Zoe said.

"I was approached by a larger male and it was at that point I realised I was on my own, against someone bigger and stronger than me, and in actual fact my boxing skills wouldn't have been effective.

"So, I looked for something that would work in these situations, so that as a woman I could feel safe walking to the shop alone or going for a run."

Strike Back, which has previously featured on Dragon's Den, debuted in Macclesfield on Sunday, October 25.

Around 40 women and girls attended the launch event at Hurdsfield Primary School, with free places given out to the One Project and various local women's support groups.

Zoe said: "Everyone left with skills they could implement immediately if needed.

"They said on feedback forms they left feeling more confident, powerful and safe."

Zoe's first six-week workshop began on Wednesday, November 4.

She added: "Attendees can expect to receive training from a qualified and experienced trainer who understands the difficulties of being safe as a women in our community.

"They will be taught by a woman in a woman-only environment, safe and secure.

"They will be encouraged to open up and work though real-life situations."

To find out more, including details of 1-2-1 sessions and corporate workshops, contact Zoe at [email protected].