IDENTICAL twins are packing double the power at a south Durham martial arts class.

Bethany and Jessica Wheatley, aged eight, from Newton Aycliffe, have been awarded their first taekwondo belts after just a few months in the sport, amazing teachers with their strength.

The girls, who train with the Newton Aycliffe Taekwondo club at the Bluebell Way Scout Hut, achieved high grades when they earned their first yellow tag.

The girls' instructor Katey Wallace, 5th Dan, finds it impossible to tell them apart.

She said: "The only way is to write a B and a J on their hand. I have had quite a few twins before but these are the most alike.

"They are also very strong. You look at them and think they are cute little girls yet they have so much power for someone their age. "They have been training really hard now for over six months so they thoroughly deserved this success.

"It often takes a longer time to get children of their age up to grading standard but they seem to pick everything up so quickly.

"Hopefully they will work hard and stick in and become stars of the future."

Jack Jacob, who is also from Newton Aycliffe, achieved his yellow belt with distinction.

Classes are on Tuesday evenings from 7.40pm-8.40pm. Contact Katey Wallace on 07901-650796: www.taekwondo-training.com