It is not often that lessons in etiquette and deportment are given alongside self-defence classes, but welcome to the 21st century finishing school.

A fourday workshop is being offered to girls in Years 10 and 11 to learn everything from the secrets of great makeup and nailcare to the correct way to stand and sit.

But as well as being taught the best way to lay a table, the girls will also discover how to defend themselves if the occasion ever arises.

Julie Bitout, principal of the Paul Nicholas School Of Performing Arts which is running the workshop, said: "I felt it was important to include the selfdefence side of things.

"We tell the girls they will not necessarily have to use it, but it is about giving them the confidence to know they have it there if they need it."

The half-term workshop will also include tips on keeping fit and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, as well as teaching the girls the skills they need to reach their full potential.

Mrs Bitout said: "There is going to be a lot of confidence building skills and they will learn things like how to go for an interview.

"Through the performing arts school I see how important it is to build young people's confidence. "

At the end of the week the girls will showcase their new talents at a prom fair fashion show, wearing prom dresses from Topaz bridal and evening wear, which has shops in Rottingdean and Eastbourne.

The workshop costs £80 and will run from February 1720, from 10am until 3.30pm, at the White Horse Hotel in Rottingdean.

The prom fair will be on February 21 from 11am until 4pm.