INSTRUCTOR Ian Shaw is celebrating his 4th Dan black belt at Haxby Shotokan Karate Club.

Sensei Shaw was awarded his Yondan by Sensei Kagawa, chief instructor at Japan Karate Shotorenmei.

The 56-year-old co-founded the club in 1981 and has dedicated himself to training and developing hundreds of club members over the years.

Club chairman Jim Bamford said: "To achieve your fourth level of black belt is a massive achievement and one that many people never achieve.

"This is long overdue for Ian as he has often let his own training take second place to instructing other club members.

"Ian does not like to boast of his accomplishments, but as a club we are very proud of his achievement and to have him as our instructor."

Haxby Shotokan Karate Club train at Wigginton Recreation Hall on Monday and Thursdays, 6.30pm to 7.30pm for ages five to eight, and 7pm to 9pm for adults and children age eight and above.

Visit the website www.haxbykarate.co.uk or phone 07583 249115 for more details.