THE family of world champion karate star Richard Black tried every avenue to raise £5,000 to send him to Switzerland to defend his title.

But they hit stumbling blocks on every route -- until Tyldesley businessman and Wigan Sports Council chairman, Trevor Barton, heard of his plight.

Now Trevor has promised to help try to raise the cash in return for Richard spreading the word of the benefits of his sport among local youngsters.

Richard, a black belt second dan, took up the martial art of shotokan after being bullied in junior school, and found it boosted his confidence.

Since then he has won 150 titles including four Grand Championships, European gold, seven national titles and last October took the World Karate Association title.

His chief instructor is Leigh man Derek Willoughby, a black belt 4th dan, and former national squad coach.

Because the sport is not recognised by the International Olympic committee its stars have to fund themselves.

Richard's parents Dave and Pauline, who are both disabled, said: "We have supported him for ten and a half years, going to competitions and sleeping in the car, and there is only so much you can do.

"We have to make it happen for him, but money has always been a problem. We have exhausted every avenue for funding.

"Out of the blue we heard from Trevor and were stunned and thrilled by his offer of help. He turned up on Sunday to watch Richard and is now in the process of producing a DVD to promote him.

Trevor said: "Raising £5,000 was a daunting prospect for his family, but perhaps we can try to raise it. It would be fantastic if Richard in return could do some teaching in schools."