FOUR United Sport Karate Organisation students in Evesham passed their black belt first dan gradings.

Ethan Haggit, Ollie Monk, George Davey and Reece Kemp have dedicated years of hard work and training to work towards their goal in wado-ryu karate.

They impressed under the pressure of grading in front of seventh dan black belt and USKO chief instructor Ed Mountney.

A club spokesman said: "Not only are we proud of them for passing their grading, we are over the moon to have seen them develop from young children — Reece started when he was only four — into awesome boys who are now role models to the next generation of karate kids coming through at the USKO family clubs."

To get involved in lessons at Evesham Leisure Centre or Wallace House Community Centre, contact Mountney on 01386 831695 or book at usko-karate.co.uk.