CLACKS karate kids were put through their paces at their annual course and grading and came out fighting.

A total of 14 local stars took on a gruelling six-hour examination at the hands of martial art experts Tommy Morris, Steven Morris and Paul Lapsley.

The students of Kobe Osaka Karate Club were split into two different categories at Grangemouth Sports Complex recently.

Zac Taylor, Harrison Crews, Skye Dickie, Logan Paterson, Coby Taylor and Karys Hunter all passed the Peewee grading, while Loklan Hay, Eve McCallum, Fergus Bone, Adam Polwart, Gemma Davies, Stephanie Davies and Kieran Duncan succeeded in their Junior Warrior grading.

Zac was the youngest participant at just three years-old and his coach Mr Lapsley was delighted with the progress that he has shown.

He said: "He was my young one, wee Zac Taylor. His brother started karate and he wanted to start as well. They usually start at age four, but he was really good.

"He is well behaved, he listens and his personality is really good.

"When he started he couldn't kick very well but now he can do that as well as the stance and the punch."

It was also a special day for Alloa's Iestyn Freathy as he achieved Shodan, which is the first step on the black belt ranking ladder.

Iestyn is no stranger to karate success after he won a bronze medal at a Dorset tournament in February.

Mr Lapsley, a full-time instructor who holds a recognised 5th Dan, emphasised the importance of children being active at a young age and believes karate has a number of benefits for young people both physically and mentally.

"It's such a good sport for kids to get involved in," he said. "It will be at the Olympics in 2020.

"It helps confidence, self-defence and discipline. It also helps awareness skills. I really enjoy teaching the class."