WIRRAL & Chester Tae Kwon-Do Club had cause for celebration after 27 of its members earned their black belts following a competition in Bristol.

In total, 22 members were promoted to the rank of first degree, four to second degree and Brian Anderton, who is also an instructor at the club, was promoted to fourth degree.

The grading was held over three days at the Taekwondo academy in Bristol.

More than 500 students from across the country came to perform in front of four eighth degree World Masters and one ninth degree Grand Master David Oliver, to prove they were worthy to wear the black belt.

Congratulating his Wirral students, chief instructor Richard Saunders, a sixth degree master, said: "They had all prepared well and trained extremely hard, putting in extra training along the way to reach this level.

"We are all very proud of each one of them for the commitment and dedication they have shown to get this far in their training".

For more information about the club visit www.wirraltkd.co.uk