A PARKEND martial arts coach has been recognised for her dedication to the sport at a prestigious awards ceremony.

Kru Kay Hampson, of MSA Master Sken Academy, received the lifetime achievement award for promoting Thai boxing over the last 35 years.

The Martial Arts Illustrated Magazine Hall of Fame Awards is held annually at the Old Brewery in Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire.

Over the years Kay’s work has taken her worldwide alongside her husband who is the world- renowned Muay Thai teacher Master Sken.

While demonstrating her art and running their full time gym, both Grand Master Sken and Kru Kay moved into promoting some of the biggest Muay Thai shows in the Europe bringing some the best Thai fighters to compete against the UK and Europeans. These shows were televised throughout the world and helped raise funds for well-known charities.

The couple opened their academy in Parkend in October.

Kay said: “It was a great honour and a very proud moment to receive such a prestigious award in the presence of family colleagues and friends.”

Anybody who wishes to learn Thai boxing is invited to a free trial. For more details call 01594 562626.