MARTIAL arts student Ken Nevison is very much alive and kicking at the age of 75.

Mr Nevison, from Shildon, County Durham, celebrated reaching three quarters of a century by taking part in his weekly class at the town's martial arts centre.

He was 58 before he started to study tae kwon do and was 61 when he achieved his 1st degree black belt, following it up with his 2nd degree a year later.

Each week, he goes to classes in kickboxing, ground fighting and Filipino kali, which is a weapons-based system.

Next week, he will be training with American Erik Paulson, a former light heavyweight shoot-wrestling world champion.

He said: "Before joining the centre I had lost my way a little with martial arts. Then I really saw how much more there is involved. The coaches here really helped me along and improved my knowledge and fitness."

Richy Welsh, the centre's senior instructor, said: "Ken is an inspiration to us all. I alter his training programme to fit his age. However, he pretty much does the same training as people who are 50 years younger."

The centre offers classes for adults and children from four years upwards including six ranges of combat as well as boxercise and kick boxercise classes. For more information, call (01388) 773554.