BEWDLEY Tae Kwon Do club’s Simon Whale impressed a panel of national instructors to earn his second dan black belt in Bristol.

The father-of-two, 47, saw his six years of hard work pay off as he impressed an illustrious panel, which included ninth dan Master David Oliver, who is chairman of the British Taekwondo Council.

Students have to come through a challenging examination, where they are marked on their techniques, patterns, sparring skills and their theoretical knowledge.

Impressively, Whale had knee surgery last year and showed dedication to the martial art, training as often as he could around his busy work schedule.

Shaun Mayall from Kidderminster achieved his second star grade, a bench mark for juniors after black belt.

Sam Hawkswell from Bewdley achieved his first star grade.

Both young men have demonstrated maturity and dedication in their training and upped their skill level considerably since they took their black belt grades.

Bewdley’s first ever junior, Finlay Fitton, who started aged just four when the club opened in 2008 took his black belt grading and passed with flying colours.

Libby Hawkswell, who trains alongside her two brothers and father, showed tremendous skill on the day and was also successful in achieving her black belt.

The club trains seven days a week in Wyre Forest and welcomes new starters of all ages and abilities.

Anyone who would like more information can go to wmtkd.co.uk.