A KARATE club has launched a campaign to raise thousands of pounds for a trip to Japan to mark its 30 year anniversary.

Sho Shin Kai (SSK) will celebrate three decades in operation next year and in a bid to mark the momentous occasion hopes to send 15 members on a “once in a lifetime” journey across the world.

The County Durham club has set a fundraising target of £20,000 which they aim to reach by August 2017 when the visit to Japan is planned to go ahead.

Club official Gordon Rooney said: “Japan is the homeland of karate and specifically Okinawa is the birthplace of our particular art of Shotokan karate.

“Experience is what we’re looking to get but it will also be cultural and educational.

“Our students are all from low income environments and our instructors work tirelessly as volunteers, dedicating their time and money to help, teach and encourage their students to do the best and be the best they can.”

Founded in Trimdon in 1987 by Ron Gibson and John Sylvester, the club seeks to instil respect and mental and physical discipline into its students and remains headed up by chief instructor Mr Gibson, aged 74.

“This is something we have thought about for several years and it’s one of Ron Gibson’s bucket list things,” added Mr Rooney. “Ron retired and handed the club over but came back to run it again.”

Students and instructors set to make the pilgrimage to the home of the martial art plan to learn from what they see as the “masters”.

Their excursion will be aided by a former club member who now lives in Japan.

At the annual SSK competition at Trimdon Junior School yesterday, Cllr Lucy Hovvels and Cllr Morris Nicholls together presented £300 to go towards the fund.

Cllr Peter Brookes has also awarded the campaign £150.

The club, whose name loosely translates into school of the rising heart, operates out of both Trimdon and Thornley and has around 65 students between the ages of seven and 75 who train across the two locations.

It will continue to raise money throughout the coming year by hosting competitions and taking part in events such as bag packs.

For more information about the club and to donate contact Mr Rooney on 07846145142 or visit www.shoshinkai.co.uk