A YOUNG martial artist has landed one of the highest tae kwon do accolades possible for a youngster.

Connor Woodcock, nine, from Aycliffe Village, was not only double promoted to blue belt but won the Best Of Grade award, at a grading session held at Kim Chung Do Dojang, at Darlington.

The award, presented by Master Ron Brennan, chief instructor of Kim Chung Do, is Connor's greatest achievement to date, after winning a clutch of gold medals at his last competition.

Instructor Katey Wallace, fourth Dan, said: "I don't think the award could have gone to anyone more enthusiastic and dedicated than Connor. His attitude to training and learning is brilliant for such a young lad.

"At blue belt, he is now halfway to black belt, and if he sticks in and works hard, he has an excellent future."

Connor's next test is training for the national championships in Sheffield next month, at which he hopes to line-up alongside friend Sam Smith, eight, from Darlington, who has also been double-graded to blue belt.