Martial artists from across the country descended on Dartford to celebrate a popular karate club’s 20th anniversary.

Kiryoku Shotokan Karate Club opened in Green Street Green Road in 1996. It now operates at Darenth Community Primary School and has grown into one of the area’s best training grounds for budding black belts.

Paul Herbert has taught hundreds of students over the years and marked the special date by being presented with his sixth Dan by esteemed sensei Dave Hazard.

“I am only 41 so I am quite young to receive it because makes me one of the senior karate practitioners in Europe,” said Paul of his new rank.

“I started at a young age, when I was nine or 10, and I am fortunate to be doing what I love for a living.

“It makes it easy to come into work each day!”

As well as welcoming the visit of Hazard, Paul also held a course for black belt martial artists from all over the UK.

For more, see Thursday's Dartford Messenger.