LOOK out Jackie Chan – a high-kicking youngster has already gained her karate black belt the night before her tenth birthday.

Erin Jackson, from Benfleet, took up the martial art at the age of four and has become one of the youngest in the country to achieve the grade in junior Shotokan karate.

The achievement was an early birthday present for Erin, who attends, Kents Hill Junior School.

She said: “My friend started doing it and said I should come along and try it and once I got there it was fun and they were very welcoming.

“It’s just fun and you get to keep on going. There’s always something new to learn.”

To achieve the black belt, Erin trained two or three times a week for five years, practising punches, kicks and set routines with Westcliff-based Westwood Karate Academy.

When she joined the academy, she was one of its youngest ever members and now she is one of its youngest black belts.

Her new status means she trains in an adult class.

The multi-talented sports star is also a keen dancer, plays netball, takes drama lessons and plays football as part of after-school activities.

Last month, she achieved top scores in ballet, tap and jazz dancing exams and she has travelled as far as Blackpool for karate competitions.

Her father, Darren Jackson, said: “She’s very driven and always applies herself 110 per cent.

“We’re very proud of her and she’s fantastically proud of herself because it’s such a massive achievement.

“It's not just about the belt, it's about the road to get there and she’s worked so hard."

Many people think the black belt is the ultimate achievement in karate, but there are still several ranks Erin can rise to.

When she turns 18, she will have to retake the coloured belt exams to achieve adult status in them.

Erin aspires to compete internationally and plans to continue practising karate for years to come.