A NINE-YEAR-OLD boy has followed in his father's footsteps by earning his first black belt in Taekwondo.

Matthew Wray earned his First Poom junior black belt award at an examination at Teesdale Sports Centre, in Barnard Castle, last month.

Matthew's dad, dentist Michael Wray, is a Second Dan black belt and was very proud of his son's achievement.

Mr Wray said: "My daughter, Grace, does Taekwondo too and my youngest, Gabriel, has just started. We all really enjoy it.

"It teaches them discipline and respect, but it's also a lot of fun."

They have both trained for a number of years at Baek Ho Taekwondo classes, in Teesdale, under the instruction of Bryan Whiley.

Matthew has taken just three years to realise his ambition of becoming a Taekwondo junior black belt Gary Sykes who was the UK's Taekwondo coach at the 2000 Olympic Games, in Sydney, Australia, presented Matthew with his black belt.

Other successful candidates from Teesdale Baek Ho Taekwondo classes were Amy Clarke (Second Poom), Julie Ann Teasdale and Samantha Kibbler (both Second Dan), James Burns (Third Poom), Chris Burns and Katie Burns (Third Dan).

Anyone interested in joining Baek Ho Taekwondo classes can call 01388-718806.