A BROTHER and sister fought off tough competition to triumph in a kickboxing tournament.

Lewis Garside, 12, came top of his category in the national Free Style Karate competition, in Manchester, recently.

His sister Rebecca, who is eight, came second in the under 4ft 4in section.

The pair train twice weekly with the North-East Destroyers Martial Arts Club, at Gilesgate Comprehensive School, in Durham, and Redby Community Centre, in Sunderland.

Lewis, a pupil at Houghton Kepier School, is already reigning British Champion, and Rebecca, who attends Dubmire Primary School, is ranked third in the country after having to compete in a higher section in this year's championships.

Their father, Peter, said they had worked hard for their achievements.

He said: "Lewis has been kickboxing for nearly three years and Rebecca has also been doing it for a while. They are both dedicated."