AN INSPIRING young carer and karate instructor who is working her way through various black belt ranks was amazed see a Christmas card turn up on her doormat from the prime minister.

Bethan Owen, 15, of Bodelwyddan, who set up her own not for profit karate academy in Rhyl at the age of 12, said she was at first just excited to have post but then couldn’t believe it when she saw the words ‘10 Downing Street’ printed.

Bethan has enjoyed an incredible year 2017; she received a Point of Light Award from Theresa May and was honoured with a British Citizen Youth Award (BCyA).

In November, the Emrys ap Iwan pupil achieved second degree black belt and became a member of the Japan Karate Association.

Bethan said: “The main highlight for me last year was definitely meeting the minister.

"Receiving the card was shocking, shocking. At first I was like 'yay post for me' and then I saw the words ‘10 Downing Street’ and I said ‘woah’. It is in the living room with the rest of the cards but it definitely stands out.

"The main highlight for me in 2017 was definitely meeting the prime minister and passing my second dan. I am so proud of myself for that one.

"I'm so happy too to be part of the Japan Karate Association and hope it opens more doors. I would love to go to Tokyo. Japan is where the heart of karate is. I’d love to go exploring and see how they do things."