THREE young fighters proved they are among the toughest in Europe after medal-winning performances at a martial arts contest.

Four fighters, all students at the Phoenix UK Tae Kwon Do Association, in Langley Park, near Durham, competed against youngsters from across Europe at the Swiss Tae Kwon Mundo competition in Switzerland.

Three of the team came back with gold medals for Olympic style, full contact combat; Kate Dixon, 14, of Crook, near Bishop Auckland; Robert Overton, 16, of Ushaw Moor, and Adam Silleker, 12, of Tow Law.

Adam also won a silver medal in the same event, while Kate and Robert clinched silver medals for self defence.

Despite his age, Robert fought in the senior category and beat a kickboxing champion twice his age to win his medal.

Paul Isles, of Ferryhill, a 3rd Dan black belt and the team's instructor, said: "We came back with gold medals for Olympic-style full contact combat and silver medals for self defence. Our students proved that they are as good as the best in the world."

Fourth entrant David Brown, 12, from Tow Law, had to withdraw after a minor injury.