BRADFORD'S Paul Hellens has become one of the oldest recipients of a karate black belt in the UK.

It was a proud achievement for the 70-year-old who has been involved with the sport for more than 40 years.

The Bismillah Karate Centre student, who regularly trains twice a week and is in superb condition, gained his black belt at a grading session in Sheffield where his 14-year-old colleague Rory Gallagher also passed with flying colours.

Karate instructor Mo Ilyas was full of praise for Hellens. “He is one of the hardest trainers I know, he really is an exceptional guy and an inspiration to young people in the sport," he said.

“Paul started training back in 1974 and has been doing karate ever since at a variety of different clubs, before he joined us about 12 months ago and I managed to convince him that he was good enough to achieve black belt.”

On average it takes around four or five years for a karate student to be ready to take their black belt grading and not many tend to be 70.

Ilyas thinks it’s remarkable that Hellens has managed to achieve this: “In my 41 years of being involved in karate, I have never heard of anyone that has passed their black belt at the age of 70.

“A few years ago I taught a lady who was 67-years-old as she wanted to do something other than aerobics, and she managed to achieve her blue belt before calling it a day.

“Karate not only helps keep you fit but it also gives you more confidence and helps your mental state of mind.” said Ilyas.

Anybody interested in learning karate can contact Ilyas on 07986372566 for more information.