FOUR years of training have paid off for a young martial arts fan who has earned her Taekwondo black belt.

Kim Roberts, 17, from Wolsingham, has been training three times a week since she took up the sport and has collected a string of honours.

Earlier this year she won the Taekwonmudo Academy gold medal in the national championships at Sheffield.

She said: "I started when I was 12 and was introduced to it by a friend. After that, I was hooked."

Instructor Katey Wallace, fourth Dan, said: "It's brilliant to see all her dedication and commitment pay off. She's got an excellent attitude to the martial arts and hopefully this is the start of a successful journey."

Kim, who trains at Wolsingham and Bishop Auckland, was awarded her black belt by Grand Master Kim Yong Ho, ninth Dan, who travelled from Paris to host the grading at Darlington.

Lessons are held at Wolsingham on Wednesday and Thursday. Telephone 0791 650796 for further information.