Golden girl Nicola Louise Hutchinson did the region proud when representing England last month as she won two medals - including a gold.

The karate ace won a gold and a bronze whilst taking part in the World Karate Association and World Kick-Boxing Association championship over three days in Pisa, Italy last month.

Fighting against opponents from Canada, USA, Belgium, Germany and Northern Ireland, both medals came in the under-55kg category where she won a gold medal in the light contact event and a bronze in karate.

A proud family cheered on Nicola Louise in Italy and her mother said: "My husband, myself and Nicola Louise's brother went over to support her and it was incredible - there were over 3,000 competitors involved.

"But she is going to have break now because the competition took it out of her - it was 33 degrees over there.

"She's very tired, she doesn't have a week off during the year and she's just done her GCSE's so she's having a little break at the moment and I think she deserves it!"

Without the vital assistance of four key backers, Nicola Louise says she would never have reached the top level and thanked Middlesbrough Council, Park End Community Council, CCF and T&T Steeplejacks and Group for their continuos help and sponsorship.

Her coach is chief instructor Gary Jowers of the Scorpio club in Middlesbrough and Nicola Louise was not their only member at the championship.

Also competing in the England team were Hannah Swailes, 17, Neal Greaves, 15, and Aimme Morrison, 12, who, unfortunately did not bring home a medal.