TALENTED kickboxers are celebrating after they beat the best young fighters in the UK and Ireland to win a major competition.
Ellie Barker, Liam Wright and Ben Goldsborough took part in the British Open Championships, held in Birmingham, over the Bank Holiday weekend.
Liam, ten, of the Phoenix Muay Thai Boxing, in Shildon, won the 35-40kg section in the nine-ten-years section.
While Ellie, also ten, of the Auckland Martial Arts Academy, in Bishop Auckland, won the under 35kg section of the eight-ten-years.
Fellow Auckland Martial Arts Academy member Ben, 16, was runner-up in the 66-70kg section of the 16-17-years group.
Anthony Barker, Ellie’s father, said: “We’re very proud of them.
“It was a good competition and the standard was very high and there were no easy fights. I ‘m pleased they have done really well.”
The youngsters train several times a week and they hope to compete in the World Championships, in Italy, in November.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here