MEMBERS of a martial arts club that has branches throughout County Durham struck gold at a recent competition.

Phoenix Tae Kwon Do, which has clubs in Willington, Langley Park, Bear Park and Sacriston, continued its recent run of success in the Welsh Tae Kwon Do Championships.

The team of eight took part in traditional martial arts and Olympic-styled full contact categories.

It was awarded seven gold medals, seven silver and eight bronze.

Team coach Paul Isles said: "We are extremely proud of our team. Tae kwon do is open to anyone. The youngest member to compete in Wales was only 11 and the eldest 45.

"We enjoy bringing the art to anyone willing to learn and we actively support the Say No To Bullying Campaign currently being run in the area."

The clubs are open to all ages and abilities.

For more information call Mr Isles on (01740) 652357.

Results - Full contact fighting: Gold - Adam Sillilker, 12, (Willington); Robert Overton, 16 (Bear Park); Christopher Overton, 18, (Bear Park). Silver - Fiona Fortune, 11, (Langley Park). Bronze - Sean Whitfield, 14, (Langley Park); Janet Whitfield, 45 (Bear Park).

Traditional martial arts: Gold - Fiona Fortune; Adam Sillilker; Sean Whitfield; Janet Whitfield. Silver - Fiona Fortune; Adam Sillilker; Robert Overton; Christopher Overton; Paul Isles, 43 (Sacriston, chief instructor); Joseph Overton, 44 (Bear Park instructor). Bronze - Robert Overton; Christopher Overton; Paul Isles (two medals); Joseph Overton (two medals).