Minster's Dean Carruthers won his first black belt during Sheppey Karate Club’s latest grading session.

The 11-year-old was one of 41 students taking part at the grading last Thursday and other highlights included first kyus – advanced brown belts – for Lucy and Charlie Kerr, Chloe Hayes, Samuel Bootes, Kieron Zwolinski and Ashley Ralph.

Guy Cruise achieved his eighth kyu red belt.

The club have produced more than 100 black belts since their formation 34 years ago and are running a 12-week beginners’ course from this week.

Training is on Mondays and Thursdays at 6.30pm for juniors and 7.30pm for adults at Sheerness Leisure Centre. The course costs only £9.99 for 12 weeks (plus family discounts) and tuition is given by Arthur Wallace, the club’s chief instructor and sixth-dan black belt, and his team of experienced instructors.

Call 01795 876567, email skc.wallace@virgin.net or visit www.kskc-karate.com