MARTIAL ARTS: Motivated karate veteran Teresa Lye has finally gained some recognition for her efforts by being awarded the national shield for 2004.

The Kidderminster 63-year-old received the top accolade at the National Shukokai Championships from world instructor, sensei Eddie Daniels.

Lye, a member of the town's Tsunami club, put up another strong challenge at the competition in Stourbridge but a trophy had previously eluded her over the years.

Daniels said: "The award goes to the best competitor, not one that wins every event but as in Teresa's case one that competes every year against world and European champions with her goal being to beat her previous year's performance.

"This is what all karate students should be striving to do and her attitude, dedication and ability are a credit to herself, her club and her instructors."

Lye, a second-dan black belt, is trained by world champion, sensei Solfrid Daniels, and is seen as a role model in her work coaching the younger students.

She was given a tremendous reception by the Shukokai Federation after beating her previous year's display to obtain a highest mark in the ladies' black belt kata.