A NINE-YEAR-OLD girl who overcame bullying with the help of a martial art has been chosen to go on a professional training camp in the Far East.

Charlotte Murray will be travelling to Thailand, with members of her martial arts academy in Darlington, to train and learn about the culture and history of Thai boxing.

Charlotte, a pupil of Springfield school at Darlington’s Education Village, had to move schools because of bullying.

She joined the Darlington Boxing and Martial Arts Academy, run by Paul Hamilton, in an effort increase her self-confidence.

She has cecome so good at the sport that she is heading to the island of Koh Samui, to take part in the training camp. She is the youngest member of the 39-strong party of youngsters and adults from Darlington.

Her mother, Nicola, said her daughter became interested in Thai boxing because her 12- year-old brother Jake attends Mr Hamilton’s gym.

He is also going on the trip to Thailand.

Mrs Murray said her daughter was one of only five girls who do Thai boxing at the gym and, despite her young age, she was not scared of the physicality of the sport.

She said: “She absolutely loves it. She trains three times a week and she’d go more if she could.

“She’s absolutely ecstatic about the trip – she really can’t wait. Since being at the academy and her new school, Charlotte has grown in confidence, and her self-esteem has gone through the roof.”

To help with the cost of the trip, Charlotte’s school has given her £500.

Mr Hamilton said he had noticed a big change in Charlotte since she started attending the gym, about a year and a half ago.

He said: “She’s a lovely kid.

She’s really nice and friendly – and you could see how the local bullies might take advantage of that.

“She’s not cocky, but she’s really confident, and her selfesteem is sky high.

“It’s not just about the training, but about learning about the culture of Thailand, and we’ll be doing some sight-seeing as well.”