A YOUNG kickboxer is preparing to represent England in World Championships, in Dublin, in the autumn.
Catherine Trainor, 16, from North Ormesby, Middlesbrough, has been involved with martial arts from the age of eight and was a karate black belt aged 13.
She hopes to one day open a gym.
Her trip to the championships has been helped by a £500 grant from Erimus Housing, in Middlesbrough.
Catherine said: “The donation will not only help me represent myself, it will also help me represent my school – the Unity City Academy – as well as the town.”
Sue Auton, assistant vice-principal at the academy, said: “Catherine has shown true dedication to her sport and commitment in sharing her experiences with the community.
“She demonstrates to all young people that they can achieve their dreams and goals.
“Help is available along the way if they work hard and give something back to their community.”
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 The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.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