KARATE kid Penny Massey-Anderton has achieved her black belt after returning to action following the Covid pandemic lockdowns.

The Westhoughton youngster become a European and world champion at the age of just seven three years ago.

And she is now another step nearer her dream of one day becoming Olympic champion as her quick progression continues..

Penny has been practising karate for five years now and mum Nicole says her young daughter believes it is a sport for all to try out.

She said:”Penny would encourage everyone to practice karate.

“She would like to express that karate and its katas are good for stress and mental health and can be practised anywhere by anyone.”

Penny is training again for competitions, looking to go to the Euros if possible.

And after achieving her black belt she has to keep that standard, eventually changing it to gold medal standard if her progress continues.