A CEREMONY to mark the life of a Bury martial arts expert will be held next month.

Mr Chris Hopkinson (72), of Cambridge Grove, Whitefield, ran the Bury Judokwai Club based at the Mosses Centre. He died on January 4, after being ill for some time.

The tribute to Mr Hopkinson, who set up his first judo club in Whitefield in 1957, is to be held at the centre in Cecil Street on February 7.

The black belt sensei, or master, was still teaching pupils up to two years ago, but ill-health forced him to step down at the end of last year

The tribute will feature skilled Iaido swordsmen performing a short ceremony known as "cutting the dojo" which signifies allowing the spirit of Mr Hopkinson to move on, while clearing the air for the new leader, George Launders.

Guest-of-honour at the event will be Mr Hopkinson's wife, Beryl.

After the ceremony, the club plans to stage a Budo course, with demonstrations by club members.

Mr Andrew M. Millard, honorary president of the British Zen Judo Family Association, said of Mr Hopkinson: "Chris was a loyal and well respected leader in the judo community."

Junior and senior judokas are invited to attend, between 10am and 3pm, in memory of the club's former leader. Parents and friends are also welcome.