KARATE students have soldiered on during the coronavirus pandemic and achieved black-belt gradings.

Paul Graham, eighth dan, is pictured with his Cheshire Martial Arts Centre students who took their Shukokai Shitoryu Karate Alliance (SSKA) black-belt gradings at the club's central dojo, Evans House, in Norman Street, Warrington.

All of the students are members of the SSKA England squad and have trained throughout the Covid-19 situation via video link, one-to-one sessions and personally at home.

In the picture are, from left, back row, Paul Graham, chief Instructor; Ben Hutson-Redfearn, 20, awarded fourth dan; Oliver Smith, 19, third Dan; front row, Abbi Gleave, 15, second dan; Sophie Gorman, 14, first dan; Bethany Daley, 17, third dan; Jack Gorman, 12, second dan.

Not pictured, but also passed gradings, are Hannah Amiri, 19, fourth dan; and vice president of SSKA, Ian Spence, seventh dan.

Cheshire Martial Arts Centre can be contacted on 07831 418631.

The dojo is open seven days a week for traditional and sport karate classes.