WHITECROOK and Clydebank families turned out tonight to sign up for new self-defence classes for young people in honour of schoolgirl Paige Doherty.

It was the first formal event from what will eventually become the Paige’s Promise charity, in the process of being set up by her family since the death of the 15-year-old in March.

More than a dozen young people signed up to start the eight-week classes next week and learn basic self-defence skills from an experienced and disclosure-checked instructor.

Paige’s family, speaking to the Post, said they hoped this was just the beginning and wanted the classes - and more - to be as successful as possible.

They also thanked the community for turning out on a rain-drenched Friday evening, and for months of recent support.

The organisation, Paige’s Promise, attracted more than 30 members of all ages from the community to Centre81 in Whitecrook and Paige’s family are aiming to eventually expand the classes into Glasgow and age range beyond the current 10 to 16 years.

There has been considerable public support for the family and the self-defence class idea since it was announced, including comedian Frankie Boyle who will be helping ensure safety equipment such as goggles and shin pads will be available.

For the full and exclusive story of the first stage of Paige’s Promise, pick up the Clydebank Post on Wednesday.