IBRAHIM Janjua has been officially recognised as a shining example of a role model - and he’s only seven years-old.

The sports-mad youngster triumphed at the British Muslim Awards which showcases the strength of the British Muslim community, its achievements and the impact it has on culture.

Ibrahim, of Little Hulton, was the youngest of 300 finalists to attend the ceremony in Bradford and was highly commended in the Young Achiever category.

“I’m so proud of him, he’s a good role model,” said delighted mum Shazia of her “little champ”.

“He was crossing his fingers at the awards and was so excited when they read out his name.”

Ibrahim is a talented kickboxer and a two-times British champion. Last year he won Bury Sports Achiever of the Year and was a finalist at the Greater Manchester Awards.

“He got into kickboxing when he was five,” explained his mum. “We had to live in a hotel for eleven weeks after our bathroom flooded and he was very hyper and needed an outlet for his energy.”

He trains at North West Warriors Martial Arts and Fitness Centre in Vale Street, Bolton, where he is coached by head sensei Paul Smith.

His ambition for this year is to become a world champion!

As well as kickboxing, Ibrahim is a keen cricketer and plays for Farnworth Social Circle Cricket Club’s under-nine team.

Awards spokesman Irfan Younis said: “Every year I’m blown away by just how special the talent is and just how hard people work to service their communities.”