AN assistant Taekwon-do instructor has passed his black belt examination.

Nick Slane, an assistant instructor with Hall Family Taekwon-do, which has bases in Whitecross and Redhill in Hereford, and Madley to the west of the city, successfully achieved his new rank of First Degree Black Belt after three and-a-half years of hard work and determination paid off.

Helping him gain the achievement was David Dykes, president of the Taekwon-do Association and himself a Seventh Degree Black Belt.

During the grading, Slane had to demonstrate both his Taekwon-do skills and knowledge, including life skills such as self defence plus sparring and traditional line work.

Instructors Luke and Sarah Hall said they were "extremely pleased" with the effort and enthusiasm put in by Slane, both before the event and on the day.

Anyone interested in taking part should contact email info@halltkd.co.uk or visit halltkd.com