A MARTIAL arts club at the centre of its community has presented an award in honour of a member lost to cancer.

The Ferndown Jitsu club made the inaugural presentation of the Charlotte Read Award for Endeavour at its Heatherlands Centre HQ at Tricketts Cross.

Charlotte, 18, who died in February after a five-year battle with cancer, had joined the club at its first session in 2000 and remained a staunch supporter throughout her illness.

John Hanrahan, who runs the club with Sensei Dave Williams, told the Daily Echo that Charlotte's contribution to the club went far beyond her activities as a competitor.

"She would take the younger children to the toilet and help them put on their belts.

"Throughout everything she went through, she always came back to the club," said Mr Hanrahan.

The loss of a leg to the disease did not stop her from participating in club activities.

"She came to an activity day at Avon Tyrell, where she climbed a 50ft tree.

"The instructor was amazed when we told her Charlotte only had one leg," said Mr Hanrahan.

The inaugural winner of the award was teenager Abbie Rattley. The Ferndown Upper School pupil passed a grading for a dark blue belt at the third attempt.

"Charlotte's award is all about willpower and sticking with things. Gradings for jujitsu can last five hours," said Mr Hanrahan.