A father has said he was "overwhelmed with pride" after he watched his eleven-year-old son achieve his black belt in karate

Marley Shaw has been attending karate lessons since the age of five, working up the ranks and on December 17 he was awarded the top belt.

Father David Shaw said: "Marley had tears of joy when he was awarded the belt."

The hour-long test saw Marley "pushed to his limit" with repeated moves and fights. 

Marley attends Rochford Karate Club at Lynch Hill Academy twice a week, spending Tuesday and Thursday evenings with instructor Richard Bertie who has been praised for his runnings of the club since taking it over from father Robert Bertie.

David achieved his black belt in 1995 under Robert's teachings at the same club.

"It was a day I was looking forward to for years," David said.

"The black belt isn't the end of the journey.

"Marley now helps out with teaching and is a role model to the younger children."