A SENSEI who teaches karate to children felt honoured to have won the Unsung Hero Award.

Justin Thomas, aged 47, is a fourth Dan Karate instructor and owner of Young Gloves Karate.

In addition to teaching karate, Justin also works full-time for West Midlands Police.

He said: “You will never hear me moaning. I do work long hours and I have a busy life, but I love it. Especially dealing with children and watching them transform. It is amazing what 12 months at a karate class can do to individuals.”

Over 10 years, Justin has raised £63,000 for a variety of children’s charities and has organised many events.

He added: “I went for the awards night to have a good time. It was a big shock to have won the award. Winning was just wonderful, it came as a surprise, but it is nice for people to see what I have done.

“It is great to be more well known in the area and to get your name out. The award was a fantastic way to be recognised and for your work to be publicised.”

Mr Thomas has taught karate to children in the Worcestershire community for 20 years.

Mr Thomas said: “I teach in multiple schools in the area, but it was Birchen Coppice Academy in Kidderminster that invited me in to talk about making a difference to the community.

“They have now formed a partnership with me and I’m teaching there.

“The headteacher Charlotte Davis has invited me as she knows the positive impact it will have on the school's children and local community.

“I am very excited about this latest challenge and looking forward to working with these children and helping them achieve their full potential.”

Speaking about the awards and the impact on winning, he said: “I would definitely recommend people to enter for the awards. I was honoured to have won, and any form of recognition is brilliant.

“After 30 years of doing karate, I want to be known as someone who doesn’t want to stop learning. I want to continuously grow as a person and improve my skills.”

The deadline for nominations is April 18. Finalists are chosen by a panel of judges and winners are announced during an awards ceremony at the University Arena on June 20.

To nominate someone, go to worcesternews.co.uk/awards/worcestershire_education_awards