County's first Shaolin temple opens its doors

Run by a charity, its base has been transformed in the past six weeks from an old garage in Southampton thanks to help from volunteers and local businesses.

Janine Brauer, who lives in Portsmouth, is a member at the temple and played a role in getting it open.

She said: ‘This is a new opportunity for local people to learn Shaolin kung fu and worship and find out about its culture and traditions.’

There is a full schedule of activities planned, and the temple also offers facilities for learning such as Chinese health classes.

Janine added: ‘There is space for 20 to 30 people. We have five teachers right now but there could be more depending on what is available.’