TWO sporty students have won major championships and will now go on to represent England in the World Kickboxing Championships.

Liam Coe, 14 and Catherine Trainor, 16 won three gold medals at the recent South Tyneside Open Championships.

Liam, who trains with Martin Ashton's Martial Arts Academy in Middlesbrough, won two gold medals for his karate while Catherine, who trains with at Scorpio Freestyle in Middlesbrough, won gold in Kickboxing.

Over 250 students from the North East took part in the competition, Liam and Catherine will now go on to represent England at the championships in Dublin from October 20 -November 5.

Julia West, head of PE at Unity City Academy(UCA), the school both pupils attend said: "Liam and Catherine are both passionate about and dedicated to their chosen sports. They have really done UCA proud at this recent championship where they beat off some tough competition."