A KARATE grandmother is hoping to chop the world's best down to size in May when she competes for a world title.

Sixty-three years old Glenis Livesley, from Lowton, only took up karate 12 months ago -- but she has won a national UK title and finished second in two other tournaments.

The green belt will tussle with fighters from as far afield as New Zealand, Australia and America at the end of May in the GKR World Cup in Birmingham.

And the martial arts gran said that it was her grandchildren who inspired her to take up the sport.

Glenis, from Alder Road, said: "I've been taking my grandson Robert to karate for six years and I have been sitting and watching him in all that time. Then 12 months ago my granddaughter Sarah had just joined the karate club, so I thought I would give it a go.

"It's been a great way to keep fit and I love the discipline element to karate. I'm really looking forward to the world championships in May. I'll be taking on people who have more experience, but i'm not bothered about that. I've got nothing to lose and i'll give it a go."

Glenis will compete in the over 45 female 6pu to 4pu -- the green to red belt, at the GKR World Cup at the NEC in Birmingham, on May 31 to June 1.

And Glenis, who trains at Golborne High School at the GKR Karate club, said that she hopes to compete in the sport for many years to come .

"I'm not sure if I will have the chance to go for a black belt but I certainly want to keep going for as long as I can."