Pensioner Murray Hustler has hit the headlines in New Zealand - thanks to his Yorkshire roots.

The 67-year-old retired company director mustered three karate chops when he was set upon by a young attacker in the street.

And Mr Hustler, whose family is originally from Wilsden, has become a folk hero in his home town of Orewa for his have-a-go heroics.

Despite having a heart condition, arthritis and a bad back, he sent his assailant packing with the help of his karate and keep- fit training.

"My father Frank Hustler was born in Wilsden but emigrated to New Zealand. It's the Yorkshire in me that gives me my stubbornness. I'm like a Yorkshire terrier," he told the Telegraph & Argus today.

Mr Hustler has had letters of congratulations from the mayor, old friends and complete strangers since his exploits hit the headlines.

"I was just walking along pushing a friend's baby when this young guy in a car just screeched up and started yelling at me. He was a nasty piece of work."

"There are a lot of problems in our town with these sort of people intimidating old people. I've had an enormous amount of support over it and I think the old people are starting to come back out onto the streets.

"I've got a bagful of health problems but I've done keep-fit and karate training and if you keep active you find that one day you might just need it. It's like an insurance policy."

Mr Hustler came to England in 1947 and worked for Ambler's Mill in Wilsden for two years before returning to New Zealand. He still visits his cousin Jennifer Garnsey, of Birchlands Avenue, Wilsden, every couple of years.

"I love Yorkshire people. They're so honest and strong. There's nothing like them," he said.

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