AN East Renfrewshire karate club has been hailed in the House of Commons for its fundraising efforts in aid of charity.

The Bushido Karate Association, based at Greenbank Church, in Clarkston, has so far coined in more than £6,500 for Cancer Research UK, with members having committed to doing 100 press-ups per day throughout April.

The fundraising effort was initially suggested by senior member Austin Lafferty and, encouraged by club leader Sensei John Elliot, several others agreed to join him.

A total of 16 members signed up for the challenge, with others lending support during classes.

East Renfrewshire MP Kirsten Oswald also gave her backing by tabling an Early Day Motion at the House of Commons to highlight the fundraising drive.

After paying a visit to the club, the SNP politician described the charity challenge as "just brilliant."

Ms Oswald said: "It was great to visit and see some karate training and some of these press-ups too. Especially lovely for me as a former member of the club, though I’m not confident I could manage the 100 press-ups.

The members who have joined Austin for the challenge are Michelle Braid, Helen Buchanan, Rhu Buchanan, Hilary Carswell, Donald Cowey, Derek Frame, Iain Frame, Gerry Gray, Chris McCabe, Joe McLaughlin, Callum Nicolson, Struan Nicolson, Andy Smith, Henry Smith and Joe Tracy.