CALLUM Beattie, from Banbury, has achieved his black belt at the age of just eight.

Beattie is the youngest pupil at the 21st Century Martial Arts School in Banbury to reach that level, having started the sport when he was six.

The youngster, who trains for five hours a week, was commended by chief instructor Elliot Manning at his grading.

He said: “I would like to give a special congratulations to Callum Beattie for being the youngest student in 21st Century Martial Arts to achieve his black belt at just eight and a half years old.

“All the students who passed should be very proud of themselves and wear their new belts with pride.”