TRACEY Prynne has just gained a black belt in Chinese kick-boxing at a London grading.

The Wu Shu Kwan member at Basingstoke joined the Basingstoke club in September 1999 while in her mid-20s.

She found her fitness and technique improving without necessarily striving to go up the grades.

Could she then ever see herself getting a black belt? "No, but, when I saw other girls going through the necessary steps and getting the coverted black belt, it gave me the belief that, with regular training, I could do it."

Prynne has had her challenges along the way. She tore a calf muscle and this set her training back three months.

She came back with increased determination and, for the last three months, attended classes and private one-to-one lessons four times a week.

Her senior master instructor Adison Bridet said: "Tracey is an inspiration to the class, especially to other ladies, and deserves every credit."

Anyone wishing to improve their fitness and learn kick-boxing can join the class at Basingstoke Sports Centre on Wednesdays (7.30pm to 9.30pm) or telephone 01256 460325 for more information.