A PRESTON taekwondo instructor has been selected to be the technical coach for the British Taekwondo Alliance team.

Barry Peake, a 3rd Dan Black Belt instructor, holds classes in the Korean martial art in Preston and the 34-year-old has many medals to his name in both national and international competitions in the Olympic recognised sport.

The Preston club has only been open just over a year, and already has students whose ages range from six to 34.

Class members also travel to the national taekwondo centre in Bath for monthly training sessions.

Barry said: "I look forward to helping to development the technical training of taekwondo in Britain.

"I enjoy my classes in Preston as the benefits of training in taekwondo include fitness and character building.

"The classes have a good family atmosphere and everyone gets on well, and, although we have not been opened long all those who take part have picked up the technical and physical values of the art."

Classes are held at Walmer Bridge village hall on Sundays from 6pm to 7.30pm and Thursdays from 6.30pm to 8pm and at Much Hoole Village Hall on Tuesdays from 7pm to 8.30pm.

Further details can be obtained from the club secretary, Jennifer, on 07969 198 291.