TWO nine-year-old identical twins have astounded martial arts instructors by achieving the highest grading just three months after taking up the sport.

Twins Mohammad Haseeb and Mohammad Moneeb, from Leeds Road, Nelson, only started attending Pendle Karate Academy at Walton Road Community Centre in February.

However their natural talent, dedication and willingness to learn has seen them quickly reach a level to be graded.

To the delight of their family and instructor the boys, who attend Walton Primary School. gained identical pass marks of 39, the highest of 42 children graded, to gain their “red belts” at Earby Community Centre last week.

Khurshid Ismail, who runs Pendle Karate Academy, said: “The boys are a delight to teach.

“They listen and learn, work very hard and practise away from the sessions.

“When they are out on the mats I can never tell them apart.

“They look exactly the same and have the same high level of ability.

“It’s very unusual for kids to be graded so soon after starting but they got the top marks out of everyone and of course they both got the same mark.

The twins’ father, Zahid Majid, said: “The lads love going the karate and all our family is very proud of them.

“They are very dedicated and want to get better.

“For them to have only started in February and now to be successfully graded is reward for their hard work.”

Khurshid added that he believed learning martial arts developed “fitness, discipline, respect and self defence skills” in children.