ONE of the oldest karate students in the UK has become a black belt – at the age of 77.

Northallerton and Stokesley Karate Club member Eileen Watson was awarded her belt three years after taking up the sport following a hip replacement.

The grandmother, of Great Ayton, gave up judo – a sport in which she is also a black belt – when she returned to the UK after living in Canada for 42 years.

Eileen, who now competes in local competitions and has already received an award for being an outstanding student with the club, said: "Age is just a number."

Over the years, she has received 563 awards for martial arts and athletics.

Meanwhile, 15-year-old Rebecca Boakes, another member of the Hambleton Leisure Centre-based club, is training with the England Wadokai Karate squad.

Rebecca, of Northallerton, who took up the sport three years ago and has only been competing for two years, won two silver medals in her first international competition in Stockholm recently.

“We are really proud of both of them,” said head coach Andy Sheridan. "Eileen is an inspiration to everyone and we look forward to seeing what Rebecca can achieve.”