A LIFE-LONG martial artist is set to undertake an ambitious challenge to raise thousands of pounds.

Ian Bishop, of Barry Road, will be joining other martial arts masters at Sherborne Preparatory School, in Sherborne, on Saturday, December 10, in a bid to raise £4000 for Macmillan Cancer Support and martial artist Peter Fawbert, who is currently ill.

The charity event - which will also host grand master Gary Wasniewski and master Phil Sedgmond - will see martial arts masters attempt to perform 4,000 different techniques in three hours or less.

Mr Bishop said: "I will be doing a mixed set of martial arts techniques.

"My mixed martial arts concept is based on Bruce Lee's principles and philosophy.

"Some will involve kicking and others will be slightly more complex.

Previously, Mr Bishop won the British black belt hall of fame award in April and, according to Marital Arts Illustrated, set a new martial arts world record of making 19 punches in under one second.

In June 2016, and having won the international master of the year award, the 48-year-old was also approached by Mr Wasniewski and invited to appear in an upcoming martial arts film, which will start filming in 2017.

Mr Bishop, who is also the founder of The Transporter Street MMA, said: "I've always enjoyed a challenge so am really looking forward to this.

"I have been dedicated to marital arts for years and train regularly.

"The challenge will be tough but I'll be doing something that I feel passionate about.

"To succeed on the day you need to be focused and determined.

"I'm also looking forward to seeing colleagues and friends at the big event."

The 48-year-old added: "The main thing is that we make it a big success because it is for charity.

"This is a historic event not to be missed."