A GRANDMOTHER who took up karate after being assaulted by a neighbour has become a black belt at the age of 71.

Liz Lawson, a grandmother-of-one, who lives near Consett, County Durham, took up martial arts after she was attacked in a row over cat poo five years ago.

The incident left Mrs Lawson, who is 5ft 1ins tall and weighs just seven stone, feeling vulnerable and she joined Shikkari Karate Kai, training three times a week.

She has now earned her black belt following a gruelling grading session at The Louisa Centre in Stanley.

Mrs Lawson said: “I am so proud. I can’t believe it. I never thought I would be black belt material.

“But I was the victim of a mild assault and stood frozen like a stuffed duck and decided I did not ever want to be in that position again.”

The grading session involved her demonstrating her skills, including complex movements and sparring, for up to an hour in front of other students and experts.

Mrs Lawson attends classes in Stanley and Consett with up to 100 others who ages range from five to 40.

She said: “I am a bit short of stamina sometimes and the younger ones are better at remembering when they put several moves together at times. I sometimes forget.

“My generation knows nothing about self defence so after the incident I went watched a karate lesson and joined the club. It is one of the best things I have ever, ever done.”

Chief Instructor Brett Wilkinson, who has been teaching karate for over 25 years, said Mrs Lawson is one of the oldest people to ever receive a black belt.

Mr Wilkinson said: “She is an incredible lady and has been inspirational to everybody including myself.

“She has lost her confidence after the encounter with her neighbour and it has been quite a journey building her back up to get this stage.

“I did sometime wonder whether she would be able to keep up but she has been amazing and really overcome the age barrier. She is remarkable.”