FIFTY-TWO students from Grimsby Freestyle Kickboxing Club have passed their latest grading exams with flying colours.

Some 36 junior students and 16 adults were able to proudly wear their new belts at a club presentation night.

And examiners were so impressed with the students' performances that they awarded extra medals to commemorate "outstanding effort".

The juniors obtained belts ranging from red to brown in colour after passing a one-and-a-half-hour exam.

The older students were put through their paces for two-and-a-half hours in tests across six different levels, including two brown grades.

GFKC head coach John Tomlinson said the juniors put "100 per cent" into their exam, adding that they needed physical and mental practice beforehand.

He added: "It is a tough exam, no matter how old you are.

"The exam tests your technical ability and skills within the martial arts, along with other attributes such as determination, attitude, personal character and endurance."

On the seniors' performance, Tomlinson said: "The adults proved just how much team spirit within the club pulls you through the most extreme situations.

"It was a tough two-and-a-half hour exam and by the end of it they all had put every last inch of effort into their performance which showed on the night."

For information on joining Grimsby Freestyle Kickboxing Club, contact Tomlinson on 0796106332 or visit www.gfkc.co.uk.