who turned up yesterday.

The Chamber of Commerce set up the initial class in response to the recent spate of attacks on women, but it did not expect 73 worried businesswomen to turn up.

All who attended the initial lunchtime class at the Chamber's headquarters at Albouy's Point, Hamilton, agreed to sign up for intensive one-on-one classes in January.

"I organised it because of the recent attacks on women but I did not expect such a big crowd -- we had to start turning people away,'' said Chamber customer service representative Linda O'Brien.

"It was a quick informative session, but in late January we'll be doing intensive workshops, so women can have one-on-one contact where they ward off an attack.'' Bermuda Arts and Fitness Academy instructors Al Wharton and Carlton Saunders gave the women some basic tips about warding off attackers.

The key piece of advice was to try to buy time by talking to the assailant.

A fax advertising the meeting was sent to all chamber members.

Ms O'Brien added: "We want women to be more aware of their surroundings and to pay more attention to it.

"Women were asking what they should do if they are grabbed from behind or are sleeping in their beds and an intruder comes into the room.

"Al was telling them to keep it simple and avoid a confrontation. Talk as long as possible.

"It should make women more self-confident to know that if they are attacked by some 200-pound guy, that it's not all about strength, it's about wit to get out of a very bad situation.

"More of our women are travelling overseas on business trips and the guys there are a bit more crafty than our guys here. We want them to know that they can be protected.'' Ms O'Brien said Mr. Wharton had mixed feelings about women carrying pepper sprays. It may make them feel more comfortable, but an attacker could also use it against them.

TOP SELF-DEFENCE TIPS 1 Do not fight unless it is necessary.

2 Remain calm and confident.

3 Keep the attacker at long range.

4 When you need to act, act fast.

5 Your mind should be firm to send a message to the attacker.

6 Do not hesitate to carry out any decision.

7 Immediately move to an advantageous position.

8 Avoid being forced into a corner or a wall.

9 Talk to the attacker calmly in a monotonous tone.

10 Attract people's attention by making noise.

11 Do not fight against a gun unless you are absolutely certain you are going to be killed.