Faye Burton was presented with a black belt by master John Dove, of the British Tang Soo Do Federation, after passing the grade following years of hard work.

Faye, who goes to English Martyrs School and Sixth Form College, is a member of the TSD North East Club and has been practising the Korean martial art for the past three and a half years.

Tang Soo Do focuses on discipline, self-respect, and health, and Faye had to showcase everything she had learned and take a written exam in order to make the grade.

Regional instructor, Charlie Featherstone, 43, who is also Faye's uncle, said: "To become the first female black belt in the federation is an amazing achievement – and it is down to her hard work.

"Faye was totally elated when she got the news that she had passed.

"We are a family orientated club and everyone is delighted for her."
Faye, of Shelley Grove, Hartlepool, said: "I am ecstatic to have got my black belt. It is one of the proudest moments of my life.

"I would like to thank everybody in the club for supporting me, and in particular Charlie for all his help."

The club, which caters for five year olds and upwards, is a member of Grand Master Ah Po's Martial Way Association.

They meet on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Saturday morning at Owton Manor Primary School, in Eskdale Road, Hartlepool.