Ron Peploe won gold at the World Association of Kickboxing Organisation European Championships in Slovenia.

Peploe’s hard training over the past few months, which included sparring several hours a week and attending British squad sessions in preparation for the trip, paid off handsomely – the fighter winning the veteran 40-years plus points discipline title.

The kickboxer from Popley said: “Standing on the podium, holding the trophy aloft while the national anthem was playing was an unforgettable and amazing experience.”

Peploe has trained in martial arts for decades, beginning with Wado Ryu Karate and gaining his 3rd Dan. He then moved on to kickboxing where he also gained a 3rd Dan.

He has competed in many national and international tournaments since the 1970s, gaining multiple titles. He has been the British champion for the last two years, but this is his first European title.

He retired from competing in 2006, but after attending several tournaments as his son George’s corner man, he decided to fight again in 2012.

Peploe said: “It has been hard work getting back to fighting fitness, but it’s been worth it.”

The kickboxer is a head instructor of the Basingstoke Kickboxing Organisation (BKO).

On his return from the tournament, around 40 members of the club, along with close friends and family, gathered to give Peploe a surprise hero’s party at The White Hart in Worting Road.