Karate kid Zane Collins is bidding to celebrate his 12th birthday in style by becoming the youngest black belt holder in the country.

Karate chiefs recommend 12 as the youngest age at which someone should try for a black belt.

So when he turns 12 tomorrow that's just what the Yeadon youngster will be aiming for.

Watched by his parents, Tracy and Adrian, and younger brothers Taras, nine, and Reese, six, Zane will spend the morning taking his black belt exam at Bradford's Thornton Recreation Centre.

The 90-minute exam will see the Benton Park School pupil asked to demonstrate his prowess with various punches, kicks, steps and set pieces before a sparring session.

Zane has been a member of the Low Moor Karate Association for five years, gaining his yellow, orange, green, blue, purple and brown belts in the process.

Mrs Collins said: "We got him started on it when he was seven for self-defence and all three of them do it now. Taras has a brown belt with two black stripes and Reese has just started as a white belt.

"Zane really enjoys it - he's done very well and even wants to teach it when he gets older. We're quite nervous about watching but really proud of him for what he's achieved.''

Frank Breslin, chief instructor with the Low Moor Karate Association, said: "We've got about 280 students and don't let them take it until they're 12, so if he passes on his birthday he'll certainly be our youngest black belt."

Brian Porch, general administrator with the English Karate Governing Body, said: "Twelve is a sensible age and certainly the youngest at which we'd recommend it should be done.

"This lad's obviously done well and been well trained and we wish him every success.''

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