The devastated mother of school girl Paige Doherty has spoken out in her first television interview ahead of the prospective charity launch. 

Pamela Murno sat down with STV News to tell of her plans to set up Paige's Promise, which will offer self defense classes to youngsters. 

The 32-year-old said: "I just think kids should have the basic knowledge to defend themselves when they are out and about - you never know when something's going to happen. 

"We wouldn't have thought anything would have happened to our wee girl and it would have been good if she'd have had a wee bit knowledge behind her to protect herself.

"It might not help everybody - it might not have helped Paige - but at least if they've got that knowledge, at least if they know what they're doing if someone was to grab them or attack them they could try."

Mrs Munro, who also has three other children, is also looking to provide support and a befriending scheme to help bereaved families cope with tragic losses.

She added: "I don't think counselling would help my wee boy, so I don't know how other people would feel about counselling as it's kind of daunting for a child to go and sit with a professional like that.

"But if there was someone they could relate to, like a through a befriending scheme, then it might help them open up a bit more."

Pupils can sign up for classes, which will begin in Clydebank before spreading out to Glasgow, tonight at Centre 81 in Whitecrook. 

Both Mrs Murno and her husband Andy will be joined by the self-defence instructor to meet with prospective students from 4.45pm to 5.45pm. 

Mrs Munro said: 

"I needed to do something to remember Paige by. I thought what happened to her, I didn't want happening to other families.

"With any tragedy you need help with, regardless of what the tragedy is - whether it's murder or a car crash, whatever - you need support, you need help.

"To us there isn't a lot out there, we've seen that firsthand. After the funeral and everything, you're kind of on your own."

She added: "I've put all my energy into that, rather than think of the worst. I've just tried to bring something positive out of what's happened to our daughter."

"And that's kind of helped me come through it."

The 15-year-old was reported missing in March and her body was discovered 48 hours later. 

A man has appeared in court in connection with her death.