ELISE Ballantyne has kicked her way to black belt success at the age of only nine.

Elise, from Long Newton, near Stockton, started to learn karate when she was five.

Since then she has risen through the ranks to become a black belt.

Her father, Tom Ballantyne, said: "She became a black belt on Saturday and we were very proud.

"We wondered if she was a bit young at five but it has given her confidence, it helps her remember things and it's good exercise.

"She's going to carry on with it not least because she's made good friends. Some of her friends from school have even decided to join her."

Elise attends Martin Ashton Martial Arts class in Middlesbrough.