A KARATE club is celebrating a trio of recent successes.

Chief instructor of Shikkari Karate Kai, Shihan Brett Wilkinson, has been awarded his seventh dan in Shotokan karate after 32 years of training.

Mr Wilkinson, who has taught the martial art for 25 years, and has schools in Consett, Stanley and Chester-le-Street, was praised by NAKMAS, the club’s governing body for his ‘constant self-development and dedication to karate’.

Mr Wilkinson, 47, said: “I am very honoured and proud to receive such a prestigious award.”

Two students, who are also instructor at the club, brother and sister Alan Cullen, 35, and Catherine Cullen-Jackson, 31, from Consett, attended the recent WUKF World Karate Championships in Dundee to represent Great Britain.

They won three bronze and one silver medal between them in the kumite section during the competition, which featured over 2,000 people.

Mr Wilkinson said: “Alan and Catherine’s achievements for both club and country over this past year has been nothing short of incredible.

“Their dedication and hard work has seen them rise up and take their karate to another level.

“Their success at their first WUKF world championships is a testament to them both.”