KIDDERMINSTER kickboxer Drew Neal has maintained his grip on a British title by winning it for the sixth successive year.

The 26-year-old personal trainer had that familar winning feeling when he swept aside challengers at the WAKO British Champi-onships in Nottingham.

Neal, who has been training in martial arts for 21 years, has conquered all comers in the under-84kg division since the start of the Millennium.

His latest win will enable him to represent Great Britain in the European Championships later this year as he bids to defend another title he currently holds.

Neil was hoping for the clean sweep of British, European and World titles when he took part in the World Championships in Hungary last December.

Once again he was the reigning champion but his bid for global glory was ended by his close friend from Croatia who is three times world champion.

On that occasion Neal had to settle for the bronze mdeal but he insists it has given him fresh impetus to regain the title next year.

"I've got a busy year ahead competing in many international tournaments in Ireland, Austria and Italy to name a few and I'm hoping for a successful year," he said.

Neal has recently started teaching classes on Tuesday and Friday evenings at Fitness First, off Stourport Road, which is open to all levels and standards.

For more information contact him on 07976 714641.

l Family affair: Neal's cousin Sean Bradley has also achieved kickboxing success. Full story next week.