A MARTIAL arts teacher who trains on Canvey has been awarded a coveted karate status.

Cheri Stokes has become one of the highest-ranking women in the UK for the sport.

She teaches Traditional Shotokan Karate to families, adults and children in classes at Waterside Farm Sports Centre on Canvey and other schools and centres in Essex.

She was awarded her sixth Dan by Sensei McLuskey who has been her mentor and friend for many years.

She said: β€œIt seems nowadays loyalty is hard to find which is a shame but people chase a dream and not value what their Sensei has to offer.

β€œI love that we have a close knit family karate club who are not just my students but are my dear friends.” She has also won World Championship and European medals.