GREAT Britain's Loughton-based karate coach has been reinstated after being suspended amid claims of racism and child abuse.

Now David Ticky' Donovan, delighted to be back in the sport, has vowed to fight on to find the "spineless" and "spiteful" person who made the allegations.

Mr Donovan was suspended on full pay by Karate England in February after a poison pen' letter led to a complaint being made to police. He denied the claims, insisting it was a jealous act from someone within the sport.

Mr Donovan told the Guardian: "The police carried out an inquiry and that has finished because there was nothing in it all the allegations were false and I've been cleared.

"It's been a very frustrating time because it's taken seven weeks and I always knew I was innocent, but it has taken that time to get through the procedures."

Essex Police confirmed no action would be taken against Mr Donovan and that inquiries into who sent the letter were continuing.

In a statement, Karate England said: "Further to reported allegations received by Karate England of improper conduct by a member of its professional staff, the governing body would like to confirm the reinstatement of Mr Donovan as national squad director."

The statement said his position was the subject of "comprehensive deliberations" before the decision was made.

Mr Donovan said: "Being suspended was extremely hard at first but I had so much support which gave me a real boost.

"I knew I was innocent and it was a horrible thing to see someone so spineless and that spiteful to do that to me. I still think it was jealousy. I've had the job for a long time and been very successful with the GB karate team."

And he still wants to see the source of the claims brought to justice.

He added: "There's an allegation of harassment for the person who wrote the letter. I will move on but I want to take the person who did this down."

Mr Donovan said it was now "all sysrtems go" for May's European Championships in Norway.

He paid tribute to everyone who stood by him, including people he coached years ago who got in touch to back him.

"I want to thank everyone who has given me their support. I'm putting this behind me and looking forward to getting back to work."