CARNFORTH'S Town Mayor Chris Smith has been recently promoted to a 3rd degree Black Belt in Hapkido. 

The newly appointed Mayor has continues to pursue his interest in the martial art as well as his duties for the community. 

He was recently promoted to 3rd Degree Black Belt in Kuk Sool Hapkido at the Morecambe Martial Arts Fitness and Junior Leadership Academy.

Chris, who has been training with the local martial arts academy for over 15 years, now fits in teaching along with his own training.

John Ward said: "I don’t think our junior students believed we had a Mayor training with us until Chris turned up in his chain to accept his belt and certificate.

"Also promoting with Chris was Callum O’Donoghue aged just 14, who was awarded his 1st Degree Black Belt and Angela Prince, who is joint owner of the academy and received her 5th Dahn Black Belt, making her the first female Master level instructor of Kuk Sool Hapkido in the UK."

The local martial arts school, which is based on Whitefield Place, off Westgate, Morecambe, will be marking its 20th year this month.

Lessons are available for students aged 6 years and above.

The school can be contacted on 07979544466, or via email at info@johnwardschool.co.uk website; www.morecambemartialarts.co.uk.