MARTIAL arts expert Jason Curtis has seen his dream come true after clinching the English middleweight kick-boxing title in record time.

The 32-year-old, who lives in Clayton-le-Moors, won through to the full-contact contest at Tranmere Rovers' ground in Merseyside after clinching the North West title last October.

He knocked out his opponent John Coates, from Leicester, in 1min 19 secs in the first round of a five-round bout. He has been entering competitions for the past three years but started martial arts around 15 years ago.

The top fighter now runs the JAG Martial Arts Ninjitsu club at Hyndburn Sports Centre where he also works full time as a swimming instructor. He said: "I am delighted to win the title. It has been one of my ambitions since I took up the sport. The competition is run professoionally with judges, different weights and a points system."

His family, including his wife Alison and his eldest sons Scott and Lee, travelled to see him take part in the contest. He added: "There was about 70 friends and family there and it was fantastic to see them all giving me their support."

Dad-of-five Jason now has his sights set on the British title in October. He said: "I am hopeful to get another fight between then and now to keep in shape so I can have a good go at it."