A Kung fu instructor at a club in Darwen struck his sixth master’s degree and was commemorated by his students at an awards ceremony.

Sifu Ray Heeks ('Sifu' meaning 'teacher'), 54, has been an instructor at Darwen School of Kung fu since the 80s and has been praised by a former student of his and instructor at the club for his dedication.

Sifu Sian Garth, 29, joined the club when she was just six years old and was taught the martial arts sport by Ray.

The club opened in 1968 before moving to Darwen Valley in 1998 where Ray continued teaching.

Sian said: “It’s been a lifetime commitment for Ray. He taught me when I was younger and he’s always been the most caring, kind, compassionate person you’ll ever meet.

“Martial arts is a way of life, and it’s not just about fighting, it’s about compassion and that’s what he strives to achieve. He’s always been there for advice, support, guidance.

“He’s been like a father figure to me and he deserves this.”

The school’s awards night was held at Darwen Valley Community Centre on December 19, where David Garth, a master of kickboxing, awarded Ray the 6th degree masters certificate.

The black belt is the highest degree you can achieve in Kung Fu but there are up to nine degrees within the black belt ranking, so Ray has worked tirelessly and put in decades of commitment to reach this milestone.

On receiving the award, Ray said: "I was shocked and honoured to be awarded a sixth degree by Sensei Dave Garth."‘

Though Ray has a full time job alongside Kung fu, the instructor trains every Monday and Sian said, “teaches young children the disciplines of the sport as well as valuable life lessons.”

Sian added: “I joined the sport as a kid and it was like a form of escapism for me and Ray had such a massive impact on my life.

"He taught me how to be respectful and compassionate and still does those things to this day.”

Sian was promoted to an instructor when she was 18 after achieving her black belt and teaches alongside Ray.

The club is a non-profit organisation and Sian and Ray run it voluntarily.

She said: “We have children and adults from working class communities that can’t afford sports like kick boxing.

"Even if there are kids whose families can’t afford for them to come, he won’t charge them.

“If they can’t afford kits, we’ll find kits for them to wear because it’s important that everyone can be part of this sport and learn life values, no matter who you are. That’s how I was brought up.

“For all the things Ray does for other people, he rarely gets the recognition, and he deserves this.”

Darwen School of Kung Fu runs a class every Monday for around 30 students. The lessons work out at around £2.50 a week and are currently welcoming new students.