MANY sons have followed in the footsteps of their fathers.

But, in the Campos family, roles were reversed when Michael, 47, followed in the high-kicking steps of his sons, David, 17, and Adam, 12, to take up the growing martial art of Chungdokwan Taekwondo.

Hot on their heels came grandfather Cristobal, 81, who has proved age is no obstacle to trying something new.

In the space of two years, the three generations have climbed to the top in the martial art.

Watched by his proud father and grandfather, David helped the British squad to the top team prize at the World Taekwon-Mudo Championships, in Paris, last weekend.

Weeks earlier, Cristobal was afforded the rare honour of getting a bow from World Taekwondo Federation president, Kim Yon Ho.

The venue was the English National Championships, at Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, where Cristobal was given a standing ovation by spectators after winning a special medal.

Michael, of West Boldon, South Tyneside, took his sons to Taekwondo training at the Washington Leisure Centre two years ago, after learning about the martial art through a friend.

He said: "I took the lads along and thought I may as well have a go myself. My dad decided to give it a try as well."

Cristobal, a Spanish native who fled his home during the country's civil war, boxed while serving in the British Merchant Navy and was once a professional welterweight.

Michael said: "He has always looked after his body. It is good exercise and he says he enjoys Chungdokwan Taekwondo far more than he did boxing."

David and Adam got their black tag this week, which is one grade short of black belt. Michael will be going for his red belt today, while Cristobel will be going for his blue belt - more than half way to his black belt.