GAZETTE & HERALD: PARENTS of children who attend Peter Bull's karate lessons have rallied around the martial arts tutor.

Supporters have sent cards and visited his home to beg him not to stop teaching.

Mr Bull said his career has been destroyed since a six-year-old boy complained that he kissed him on the forehead in a lesson.

He denied the kiss was improper and the police cleared his name, saying no offence had been committed.

The instructor, who ran the Arashi Karate Club at Monkton Park and Frogwell Primary Schools in Chippenham, would like to thank those hundreds of people who have sent cards and phoned him up pledging their support.

"We've had to take the phone off the hook and people have been turning up on the doorstep," said Mr Bull.

Jane Partington, 30, of Yockney Close, Corsham has been attending Mr Bull's classes for two years.

She sent Mr Bull a card of support.

She said: "I have never felt or witnessed any cause for concern over his teaching or personal manner.

"I have been in contact with past students and current students as well as parents of the juniors and it is safe to say that he has a lot of support and respect.

"He is a good, fair instructor. It's not all strict.

"I don't know him socially but you get to know someone over two years and he's a nice person."

Moira Lee, of Wessex Close, Calne wrote in support of Mr Bull. She said: "Peter Bull is without doubt a lovely man.

"I feel that the parents of the child over-reacted by calling the police, rather than just talking to Mr Bull. Have they never watched him teach what a joy.

"Our daughter has attended his lessons for several years in the knowledge that she would be both safe and cared for."

Another supporter said: "I know him and I would trust any of my children with him."

Mr Bull has lost his class at Monkton Park Primary School, where the alleged incident happened.

The governors discussed what action they would take last Thursday.

Headteacher Wil Hulbert said: "In the light of information received from the Japan Karate Association

England, the governors of Monkton Park School unanimously decided to discontinue the use of the school premises by the Arashi Karate club."

JKAE said Mr Bull has been suspended from the association and removed from a national register of teachers.

Last week Gary Murray, of JKAE, said: "We never take chances where children are involved."

The suspension at Frogwell Primary School is still in place while governors decide what action to take.

Mr Bull said if he lost this class, his 35-year career would be over.

He founded the karate club, formerly the Chippenham and Trowbridge Karate Club, in 1972.

He has taught special needs children over the years and young people from broken homes.

He said the stability they get from the classes changes them phenomenally and the co-ordination and strength children with disabilities acquire is amazing.

"In the class they are the same as everyone else," he said.

Last week the Gazette reported that a similar class in Bath had been suspended, however, Mr Bull has never taught in Bath.