A DOTING father broke down in tears when his visually-impaired son scooped a prestigious black belt in karate.

Shamreaz Hussain, 14 asked his father Ollie for karate lessons after being physically picked on by his fellow school pupils.

The then eight-year-old told his dad he wanted to learn to defend himself in case his father was not around to protect him.

But Mr Hussain struggled to find an instructor willing to help young Shamreaz because of his condition, which leaves him with just 15 per cent vision in one eye.

Six years later, young Shamreaz picked up his first black belt at John Madejski Academy on Sunday, December 17.

And his father revealed it was a special moment for Shamreaz’ family and instructors.

He said: “When they gave him the belt, I just broke down in tears. I just lost it.

“I was on cloud nine.

“It wasn’t just me, everybody was crying, even some of the instructors.

“If my son can achieve this with his disability then he should be an inspiration to others.

“When you consider what he has been through, what he has to cope with and now what he has achieved, it is nothing short of remarkable.”

Shamreaz, who attends Highdown School in Caversham, holds ambitions to continue karate and pass on his knowledge to others.

He is already a junior instructor.

His father, a Great Western Railway worker, added: “My son’s black belt is not just a proud moment for us but it’s a proud moment for everyone connected with him.

“It shows everyone that if you put your mind to something and show dedication then you can achieve anything.

“It was also a special moment for my wife, Haleema Sadia, who took Shamreaz to his lessons when I was at work. It would have been very difficult without her.”

Mr Hussain is planning a special celebration for young Shamreaz in February.