A FORMER library manager has proved she is no quiet bookworm as she celebrates achieving her black belt in Taekwondo.

Shirley Williamson, from Cam, managed Dursley, Wotton and Berkeley libraries for many years until she took early retirement in March.

But much to the amazement of her colleagues, by night Shirley, 54, was busy training in the martial arts skill of Taekwondo and not reading a book at home.

Her teacher Richard Olpin, who runs the Ilyokwan Black Belt Academy based at Cam Everlands School, said he has been amazed by Shirley’s skill and determination.

"Part of the black belt exam is a fitness test and we were absolutely blown away by her performance, putting many of the younger members to shame and inspiring the other black belts to get in the gym to catch her up."

Shirley joined the Taekwondo school after encouragement from her teenage son, who was a member before leaving for university.

With an interest in martial arts and Eastern cultures Shirley decided to give it a go and found she enjoyed it more than she thought.

"I absolutely love it, it is just fantastic. Some of the people I worked with said they could imagine me doing it and it is a great activity for after work. You can just shout and forget all about things that happened during the day."

Along with Shirley, Wotton resident Stewart Davison was promoted to black belt.

Stewart works as a manager in the IT industry and works long hours and does a lot of travel, but always manages to fit in Taekwondo classes.

Mr Olpin, who has run the academy for over 15 years, said: "Shirley and Stewart have really demonstrated what it takes to be a black belt.

"It’s not just about punching and kicking, it’s about holding yourself to the highest standards and demonstrating the type of character that others can aspire to, whatever you do, both inside and outside the martial arts.

"In this case they have both set an outstanding example to others and I’m honoured that I get to train with them."