A Spennymoor youngster won a top trophy after deciding to enter a national tae kwon do competition at the last minute.

Liam Machan, of Ridgeside, North Close, signed up for the British Tae kwon do Championship Opens, at Sheffield, just a week before it was held this month.

His coach, Master Russell Shaw, of Chungdokwan Tae kwon do Club, told Liam's parents, Melanie and Michael, that Liam had the potential to do well and they agreed that such a major competition experience would build his confidence.

But all three were stunned when the seven-year-old, who has since turned eight, was first for technical ability and won the title.

Mrs Machan said: "We were over the moon. We thought it might be too soon for Liam to enter such a big tournament because he has only been training 18 months.

"But he loves it and never wants to miss a training session at Spennymoor or Ferryhill leisure centres."

Liam, a pupil at Ox Close Primary School, Spennymoor, said: "It was really exciting. There were lots of people there and I really enjoyed it."

Liam now has high hopes of developing his skills and is aiming for a place in a national tae kwon do squad.