COMMUNITY-SPIRITED students from a Kidderminster karate club raised thousands of pounds for a charity that supports disabled children.

Young Gloves Karate presented £4,000 to High Riders – a Worcestershire charity that provides riding activities for children and young people with disabilities – at an event on Sunday, March 11.

Alongside rigorous preparation for their karate examinations, children from the club have been participating in community fundraising to raise the impressive total.

The club, which also runs classes in Stourport and Stourbridge and has over 300 members, puts supporting the community as a key part of its ethos and hosts activities and events to achieve this aim.

During the past 15 years, Young Gloves have raised £58,000 for a number of good causes.

This year, members have voted to support ‘Survivors’ who focus on helping mental health victims within families.

Proud Head Instructor Justin Thomas, who founded Young Gloves Karate in 1999, said: "The quality of Young Gloves has never been in doubt, as evidenced with English, European, and World Champions within the club along with multiple black belts now training.

“The thing for me that makes us special is that children get the opportunity to achieve and for fill their own potential whilst helping others and giving back to their community.

“The way each child gets involved to make a difference to themselves and our community really makes me proud. Members express the club as their second family which says a great deal and explains the incredible achievements by all."