They have already made plenty of history since their formation but Dunmow TKD have added another milestone - with their first homegrown black belts.

The taekwondo club had four of their own among the 183 students from around the UK attending the TAGB black belt grading at Hellidon Lakes Spa in Daventry.

Aaron Arnold, 12, Kiera Miles, 13, Ruby Pegrum, 14, and fifteen-year-old Tony Miles had to demonstrate their proficiency at line work, set sparring, free sparring and patterns, which all four did with flying colours.

They were presented with their belts and certificates back at home base by instructors Matt and Cheryl Howard.

Matt said: "The path to a Tae Kwon-Do black belt takes at least three-and-a-half years and on average, only one in 20 who start the journey get to this stage.

"The gradings are held only twice a year and the students have to perform in front of the TAGB committee, all ninth dan grand masters.

"The grading was very intense and is a testament to the perseverance and integrity of them all.

"It is the culmination of one journey and the start of an exciting new one and they thoroughly deserve their promotions to first degree black belt."

He added: "This is a hugely pivotal moment for our club. Since starting in January 2020 with just five students it has always been our dream to get our very first crop of black belts.

"Tony Miles was one of our first ever students but Cheryl and I are incredibly proud of all four of them. They will serve as inspiration to all our students.

"We are on course for four more in October and by the end of 2025 we could have as many as 20 black belts in our club."

Dunmow TKD run six classes every week and can be found at www.dunmowtkd.co.uk