MELTHAM twins Oliver and Alice Linsell have gained their black belts in karate.

The twins, aged seven, are the youngest in a group of 13 students to gain the first dan black belts at Colne Valley Black Belt Academy in Linthwaite.

There are several levels, known as dans, in karate.

Each dan has a series of belts that must be gained, with black ranking the highest.

Oliver and Alice can now move onto their second dan studies, having gained their first dan black belt.

It will take them at least two years to graduate to the next level.

Oliver and Alice have studied karate since they were four.

Their mother Caroline said: "They saw the film Karate Kid and watched Power Rangers and said they wanted to do karate.

"I rang the club, thinking they'd be too young, but they were fine. They absolutely love it."

The twins train four times a week and have even recruited their dad Peter to the sport. Peter has gained his purple belt, but has some way to go before he catches his children up.