A KINVER mother and daughter are a force to be reckoned with - they are now both 1st Dan black belts.

After seeing the enjoyment her daughter Gabrielle got from being a member of PC Karate Academy in Brierley Hill, Tracy Tromans, aged 50, decided to get in on the action.

Now, after 11 years of hard work, the software trainer has joined 16-year-old Gabrielle in the black belt ranks.

She said: "I was thrilled, it was a big achievement. Gabrielle got hers before me so she knew what it meant it me."

Paul Campbell, chief instructor at the Canal Street club, said Tracey's achievement should inspire others who "feel the are too old to participate in physical exercise".

He also congratulated Hagley teenager Jasmin Knight, aged 14, who recently got her black belt, following in the footsteps of her 43-year-old mum Sarah.

Mr Campbell added: "I am delighted with the level of family participation at the club where mothers, daughters, fathers and sons train alongside each other."