HE may be only eight, but a young martial arts fighter has joined the sport's elite.
Bradley Smith, from Kirk Merrington, near Spennymoor, has been awarded a black belt, 1st Dan, by the Tae kwon do Association.
He showed his prowess before a panel of judges in Doncaster, alongside other candidates who were experienced adults.
Bradley, a pupil at Kirk Merrington Primary School, trains with Bryan Wiley at the Baek Ho Club, in Butterknowle.
He took up the sport at five, and last year won a gold medal at the North West Open Championships, in Blackpool.
His 14-year-old sister Yasmin also enjoys the sport and is ranked in the third seeded group for her age in the country.
Their father, John, said: "Bradley has worked very hard. He is very dedicated.
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