PURPLE belt Bethany Harper collected the best kick-boxing student trophy at her last grading session.

The nine-years-old Leigh St Peter's School pupil decided to take up the sport two years ago following in the footsteps of a friend -- and has excelled.

Her instructor at the Northwest Freestyle Academy in Scott Street, Leigh, Danny Harrison, said Bethany had improved so much in the last year she has the potential to achieve great things in martial arts.

Bethany, who also swims with Hindley SC and dances for recreation at Leigh's Apple Dance Centre, has been joined in the sport by her six-years-old brother, Robert.