Sidmouth TAGB Tae Kwon-Do Club is leading the charge in sports safeguarding after successfully attaining a Safeguarding Code in Martial Arts mark.

Sidmouth Tae Kwon-Do and Ottery Tae Kwon-Do started in 1993.

Beth and Andy Taylor took over the Ottery club in November 2011 and the Sidmouth club in January 2018.

Safeguarding and ensuring children and other club users are protected and secure while training is a top priority for Beth and Andy.

Beth said: "We are very pleased to announce the club has been awarded a Safeguarding Code in Martial Arts mark.

"It means that parents can be guaranteed we are doing all of the right things for our children.

"Our Ottery club is the only martial arts group south of Bristol to have the UK Sport England Clubmark and our Sidmouth club will have one soon."

The Safeguarding Code in Martial Arts recognises clubs and providers in England who have have demonstrated that they have reached and maintained good safeguarding standards. Governing bodies, associations, organisations, franchisers and activity deliverers can work towards attaining recognition along with clubs and individual instructors, coaches and teachers outside of a club structure.

The scheme empowers parents/carers and educational establishments to make informed decisions when selecting a club or provider for their child/children, young people or adults in their care.

The Safeguarding Code has been developed through close consultation between Sport England, representatives from martial arts governing bodies and those with years of expertise in safeguarding. Support was also provided by the Child Protection in Sport Unit, the Ann Craft Trust and NWG Network.

It is funded by the National Lottery and was launched by the Sports Minister in early 2018.

Sidmouth Tae Kwon-Do also received a grant from the Sid Vale Association's Keith Owen Fund at the beginning of the year.