Young taekwondo enthusiast Tom Smith looks to have a golden future in front of him after winning four medals at a local competition recently.

And at the same event, which was the Kim Chung Do Kwan competition, held at Gladstone Street, Darlington, Hurworth Club teammate Adam Walton caught the eye as he picked up two medals, a gold and a bronze.

Tom, nine, who attends and trains at Hurworth Primary School as well as the Kim Chung Do Kwan dojang in Darlington, entered five different disciplines and came away with three gold medals and a silver.

"I'm really pleased for him," said taekwondo instructor, Katey Wallace who is a third dan.

"He is a dedicated student and trains really hard and deserves all the success in the world."

The pair are clearly both keen as they each train at least twice a week.

Around 100 taekwondo beginners from all over the North-East competed with 20 in each discipline.

Other successful students were Kevin Sung (Eastbourne Club) two gold medals; Chris Walker (Eastbourne Club) two gold; Nicole Pegg (Darlington Club) one gold, one silver, one bronze and Simon Sung (Eastbourne Club) one gold, one bronze.

*Anyone interested in taekwondo or self defence should contact (01325) 241144 for more information.