East Leeds teenagers Karl Hardcastle and Charlotte Whittles have become the first members of Gipton Together's Ken Toh Kai Karate Club to make the top grade.

Gipton Together, run by local people, runs a wide range of classes and activities for adults and young people.

All are paid for by a year-long fundraising push, based around the annual Gipton Gala.

Terri Loney, the group's chairwoman, said: "It is a really big thing for the club to have its first two black belts. Well done to Karl and Charlotte."

Charlotte, of Cross Gates, said she took the sport up four years ago after being inspired by her cousin.

The 14-year-old said: "He showed me some of the moves he had learned, it looked really interesting so I looked for a local club. Not long after I started I decided I wanted to go for my black belt, it was hard work but I have really enjoyed it."

Karl, of Oakwood, said he first started to study martial arts three-and-a-half years ago.

He said achieving the top grade meant he had been given more responsibility at the weekly classes – and he has set his sights higher.

Karl, 13, added: "I help out teaching the younger ones now, I really enjoy that. I definitely want to continue, and in two years time I will go for my black belt second Dan."

Charlotte thanked Gipton Together members for their support – and encouraged more people to take part.

She added: "It is really good, it is great that everybody joins in."