YOUNG gladiators are swinging into action after being rewarded for their fund-raising efforts for Brighton's Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital.

Sussex-based Sama Karate Organisation totted up £8,700 for last year's Argus Show The Kids You Care Appeal, which raised a total of £88,000 for much-needed new equipment.

As part of its cash drive, the Argus teamed up with the Rockinghorse Appeal to offer special prizes to the group which raised the most money.

Now two lucky youngsters from the karate organisation have been offered an all-expenses-paid trip to the recording of ITV's Gladiators.

Toni Denyer, fund-raiser for the Royal Alex's Rockinghorse Appeal, said: "The karate organisation raised more than any other individual group.

"Two of the families involved with it, who contributed the most, have won free hospitality tickets to the Gladiators on August 12."

James Harris, six, who trains in Worthing, and Ricky Law, ten, from the Brighton branch, will see the show.

Alan Gibson, chiefinstructor of the Sama Karate Organisation, said: "We had 170 children from four and upwards doing 500 karate punches each for the charity.

"It was an excellent achievement and it raised our biggest amount ever."

To celebrate, karate club members honed their gladiatorial skills on an inflatable stage based on a game from the hit series.

The stage will make a reappearance at this year's East Sussex Steam Fair and Family Show, at Upper Lodge Farm, The Broyle, Ringmer, on Saturday and Sunday, July 18 and 19.

Proceeds from the event will go to the Rockinghorse Appeal.

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