AN Accrington man has been named as one of the top martial arts experts in the world.

Steven Burton, 34, has been honoured for his dedication and skill at Tai Chi, one of the most ancient Chinese martial arts.

Mr Burton has been named as a 12th generation direct-line disciple of Grandmaster Chen Zheng Lei at a ceremony in Manchester.

The honour is awarded to only a handful of the most dedicated practitioners around the world.

Mr Burton is the principle instructor at the Dragon Society School and the Elite Chen Tai Chi Centre, both based on Dale Street in Accrington.

He said he was thrilled to be awarded the title, adding: "There is no greater honour or higher endorsement than to be officially accepted within the Chen family."

He has now been officially recognised within the Chen family as "Chen Wen De", a name given to him by the Grandmaster, which means "someone with good internal energy and of good character".

The Chen family are credited with beginning Tai Chi more than 2,000 years ago. Mr Burton has visited China many times winning gold and silver medals at world class level.

He added: "On my recent visit to China I was making arrangements to perform in an opening ceremony at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

"Things are looking very promising."

As well as teaching Tai Chi in Accrington he also regularly visits many primary and secondary schools around the Blackburn with Darwen area to demonstrate his skills.

Mr Burton began his martial arts training at just eight-years-old.

As well as his prowess at Tai Chi he is also a fourth degree blackbelt at Chinese Kickboxing and an expert in two other styles, Lau Gar Kung Fu and Torite Jutsu.

Historically, Tai Chi has been regarded as a martial art, but it has developed a worldwide following because of its health benefits.

Tai Chi is often regarded as "moving meditation" because of its focus on co-ordination when the muscles are relaxed rather than tensed.

The phrase Tai Chi translates to mean "Supreme Ultimate Boxing".