A MARTIAL arts team that found fame on a television talent show has set a world record.

Chi Demo Team, based in Spennymoor, County Durham, starred on Sky1’s Guinness World Records Smashed last night.

After 13 members performed an energetic routine of acrobatic martial arts to open the programme, three made a high-flying record attempt.

Satellite viewers watched as 20-year-old Brett Sawley was hurled skywards by team mates Ray Sawyer and Andy James to perform the highest assisted martial arts kick.

He leapt into the air and kicked a block of wood, suspended four metres above the ground, in half.

After kicking the block at the height set by Guinness World Record officials, the trio raised the target and twice smashed their own record on the night reaching 4.25 metres.

The show, presented by Steve Jones and Konnie Huq, was recorded at the British broadcast industry’s famous Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire.

Coach Russell Shaw said: “It was a fantastic experience.

“The opening routine was only a minute long but went perfectly and wowed the crowds, which some parents and friends got to be part of.

“The producers said the episode was one of the best they have made.

“The club is incredibly proud, not only of holding a world record, but how well it performs as a team.”

The group, formerly known as Chungdokwan, was catapulted to fame when it impressed judges on ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent a year ago.

Celebrity judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Piers Morgan were thrilled by the team’s high-risk, high energy take on the traditional martial art.

It has also become an internet hit with thousands of people watching its routines on the YouTube website.

Mr Shaw said: “We’re going from strength to strength, with individual members from the club doing well in competition and new opportunities keep presenting themselves for the demo team, so we’re really enjoy it.”