A TEENAGER from Colburn has returned from Rome with an individual European gold medal for karate.

Amanda Ilsley, aged 16, represented England at the European Wado Kai Karate Championships a year after competing for her country in Sweden. She won her gold medal in the under 65 kilos cadet section for 16 to 18-year-olds.

The Darlington Queen Elizabeth sixth form college student, who lives in Constantine Avenue, trains at the Kobukan Club in Gladstone Street, Darlington, where her father Charles is club secretary. She received grants from several organisations, including Richmondshire district council and Colburn town council, to help with the extensive cost of travelling for training and competitions.

"The cost of competing at this level is very high and Amanda's parents support her 110pc," said Coun Peter Wood, who represents Colburn on the district council.

"Colburn is extremely proud of Amanda, who trains three nights a week and fits it in around school work."

Amanda, a former pupil of Risedale community college, Catterick Garrison, has a cabinet full of medals and trophies and has her sights set on winning more silverware.

Her next targets are the European Championships in Finland next year and the World Championships in Japan the following year.

Anyone interested in taking up the sport can contact Mr Charles Ilsley on 01748 832053.