A KIND-hearted karate instructor who continues to make a difference in her community secured an award during a virtual ceremony.

Bethan Owen, 17, was named the winner of the Rising Star category at Chwarae Teg’s Womenspire Awards.

The amazing Bodelwyddan teenage was celebrated for accomplishing so much from such a young age.

The Rhyl College student and founder of a not-for-profit karate club in Rhyl has been helping to take care of her mum, who has epilepsy, since she was a child.

At aged seven, she started learning karate by way of a distraction and by 12, she was a black belt and qualified karate instructor.

Her club - BKA Karate - attracts carers of all ages.

Cerys Furlong, chief executive, Chwarae Teg, said: “This is our fifth Womenspire awards and once again it has been incredible to hear the stories of all the women and their magnificent achievements.

"Although we’ve had to hold the event online due to Covid, it’s given us a chance to share their stories with a wider audience than ever before.

"At Chwarae Teg we know how important it is that the accomplishments of women are highlighted just as much as those of men.

"I must congratulate everyone involved and say a big thank you for making our first online Womenspire such a success."

The award ceremony was presented by Andrea Byrne of ITV Cymru Wales and Welsh actress, Elin Pavli-Hinde.

The biggest winner on the night was Hazel Lim, an autism awareness campaigner and founder of the Chinese Autism Support Group.

She received the Community Champion Award as well as the overall title of Womenspire Champion 2020 having impressed the judges with her warmth and unwavering commitment to her cause.