Downs Primary School pupil Jaime Cooper has fought her way to a coveted black belt in karate at the age of 11.

The Deal Welfare Karate Club member made the long trip to Bury, Lancashire, where she was graded by a panel of senior technical judges from the AMA Karate Association.

After being put through her paces over several hours, she was successful in gaining black belt Cadet 1st Dan.

Her instructor Marion Tilley (4th Dan) is delighted with her success.

She said: “Jaime has been training with the club from the age of six and has shown immense commitment.

“It’s fantastic to see her develop with confidence and skills to the stage where she is able to perform in front of a panel of judges and come away with such a fantastic achievement.

“Jaime is an inspiration, showing the other junior members that if you work hard at something you can achieve your goal.

“She has worked extremely hard to get this far, and I am very proud of her.”

Deal Welfare Karate Club training sessions are on Monday and Thursday evenings in Cowdray Square.

Junior training is from 6.30pm until 7.30pm followed by seniors from 7.45pm until 9pm.

Anyone interested can call 07802175866 or pop along.