Many politicians enjoy the cut and thrust of the political world but Brighton MP Des Turner is uniquely cut out for it.

While his colleagues fence with awkward questions from the media and joust with political opponents, Dr Turner takes the art and skill of fencing a bit more literally.

He has enjoyed the sport of fencing since taking it up at school more than 40 years ago.

Dr Turner demonstrated his skills for photographers as he presented Brighton and Hove Fencing Club with a National Lottery cheque for almost £5,000.

Unfortunately, too many Westminster dinners and constituency coffee mornings meant it was a tight squeeze as he pulled on his gear for the first time in a year.

More used to bandying words with Tory and Liberal Democrat opposition, Dr Turner instead found himself crossing swords with club secretary Brian Causton.

The 62-year-old Kemp Town Labour MP lists fencing as one of his major interests alongside more mainstream activities like sailing, listening to music, cooking and gardening.

But since being elected to Parliament in 1997, Dr Turner has struggled to find time to take part in the sport.

He said: "I have enjoyed fencing most of my life. I suppose I must have seen too many Zorro films when I was younger.

"My old gear is a bit of a tight fit which shows that I really ought to find the time to get back into the sport. You have to be very fit to do it and I'm afraid my fitness levels aren't what they used to be.

"Since becoming an MP it has been difficult to find the time. Much of the time we're tied to the Commons and while I exercise as much as I can the chances are limited."

At least Dr Turner's intellectual fencing skills were revealed to be in good working order as he fielded the questions of a nosy journalist.

Asked if his fencing gear was a tight fit because he had been enjoying the good life and partaking in a few too many Westminster social occasions, all he would reveal was: "It doesn't help."

On the question of whether his fencing skills might come in useful for jousts with political opponents and the media, he would only commit himself to a "possibly".

The lottery grant presented by Dr Turner will be spent on vital safety equipment and on attracting new people into the sport.

He said: "It is a terrific sport for all-round fitness and I hope news of this award will encourage more to get involved."

The club, current Sussex team champions, meets at St Mary's Church Hall, Preston Park, on Thursdays and is open to anyone who wants to try fencing.

Chairman Peter Townsend said: "Future changes in European safety regulations will mean that even more equipment is needed, far more than the club can afford.

"The grant will mean the club can continue and we can give more people a chance to enjoy fencing. It's a great sport you can play for your whole life."