An Enfield Taekwon-do athlete has been given one of the highest honours in the sport by gaining master status as he was welcomed home by family and friends to celebrate his achievement.

Nick Symonds was granted the title and became the only master of the Taekwon-Do England Association in North London, at the Canada International Taekwon-Do Federation.

Symonds, of TotalTKD Southgate, has been involved in the sport for 27 years and has trained numerous champions.

The event, held last month, was attended by more than 180 instructors and black belts from around the world as Southgate master Symonds, who started in the sport in 1989, successfully passed his two-hour examination for promotion.

Master Symonds started in the sport in 1989 and has since won medals including a gold earlier this year.

He was chosen as the captain to represent the England team at the World Championships in 2001 and is a board member of the International Taekwon-Do Federation England.

In December, Symonds will be hosting a seminar to share knowledge and technical expertise for all ages.

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