DESPITE her vast collection of World and British titles, Chloe Love achieved something new at the Grassroots Heroes Awards - her first acknowledgement away from the sport of kick boxing.

The 20-year-old from Bacup has been a dominate force in martial arts for over a decade, winning 12 world titles in one category (16 in total) - the latest coming just months after returning to the sport following the birth of her first child, Braxton.

So while she is proud of her sporting trophy haul, the latest addition to her silverware collection will take pride of place.

“I once won an award which I had to share with a skier but this is the first time I have received something outright away from kick boxing, so it is very special,” said Chloe who is a member of Alf’s Kick Boxing Club run by her dad “I have kick boxing trophies in my house, my mum’s house and down at the club. But the Grassroots Heroes one is going to take pride of place on my mantle piece so everyone can see it.

“It is also great that kick boxing is getting this recognition rather than the more popular sports. Saying that, it was a real shock when I won. I was literally shaking when I went up on to the stage. I just didn’t know what to say.”

Chloe paid tribute to her dad, himself a former Grassroots Heroes coach of the year, who she says is her real hero.

“My dad is my big inspiration and I wouldn’t have achieved what I have done if it wasn’t for him.

“Of course I want to go on and win things but my main ambition is to carry on his hard work at the club and make sure it continues for as long as possible.”

Chloe is already following in Alf’s footsteps as helps her dad coach at the Stacksteads club.

“I train three nights a week and I coach the youngsters,” she said. “It is important for me. I won my first world title when I was only eight and I am training children at that kind of age now so it would be great to see them go on and achieve what I have done.”

And Chloe has high hopes that her son will follow the family tradition.

“Braxton already comes to the club and had a little go on the training pads,” she added. “I hope he likes it as much as I do so he can carry it on.”