KERRI GASKELL is a Rising star in the sport of karate.

The 13-year-old Mornington High student has just been awarded her black belt in the charge of instructor Darren Strong at the Rising Sun club.

And now her proud father, Leslie, is following in his daughter's sporting footsteps.

"I hope to reach my black belt next year," said 38-year-old Leslie, of Woodland Avenue, Hindley Green.

Kerri took up the sport at the Hindley Green club some three years ago, quickly making giant strides.

And that prompted her father to join, and he has now reached brown belt status.

"It's a great little club," he said. "It has a real family atmosphere."

Kerri's younger brother Jake, who is seven, is now following in the family tradition. 2211/238/12

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