TEN martial arts students achieved high marks to pass grading exams with flying colours.

The Taekwondo students attend classes at Wolsingham and Stanhope with Katey Wallace and Richard Crawford.

They earner higher belts by performing traditional non-contact moves both individually and with partners.

Wolsingham Instructor, Master Katey Wallace, 5th Dan, said: "Taekwondo is very beneficial for all ages and all abilities. It helps with self-confidence, self control, fitness, discipline, co-ordination and flexibility.

"Every single one of these students has shown an improvement in all of these areas. I am really pleased with the high standard they performed at on the day.

"It’s very easy to let the occasion get the better of your nerves however all of these guys coped exceptionally well, especially for new beginners. They deserve this success." she said.

The promoted students from Wolsingham were: Jake Raper (double promotion), Danielle Storey, Sara Graham, Daniel Graham and Alastair Howes. Successful Stanhope students were Joe Bergin, Charlotte Henderson, Jake Lonsdale, Katie Rapp and Tom Rapp.

Beginners classes are: Mondays from 6 to 7pm at Bishop Barrington Sports Hall, Bishop Auckland; Tuesdays 6 to 7.30pm at Stanhope Town Hall; Wednesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 7.15pm at Wolsingham Club in the Market Place; Fridays at Bishop Barrington from 5 to 6pm. For more information please contact Katey Wallace on 07901-650796.