A TEENAGE karate ace has set his sights on competing at the 2012 Olympics.

Aaron Swales, 18, of Sydall's Way, Catterick Village, won gold in only his second competition last month. He was runner-up in his first competition last year.

The brown belt, a member of Richmond Ishinryu Club, started taking lessons six years ago. He now trains at least four times a week.

Last month, he won a gold at the ASA North-East Karate Competition, in Sunderland.

Aaron aims to compete in the 2012 Olympics in London and hopes to break into the British team later this year.

He is studying for his A-levels at Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, in Darlington, and plans to go to university to study sports development and coaching.

He coaches children and adults at the Richmond club.

Aaron said: "I really enjoy it and in this day and age you have to know how to look after yourself."

His mother, Helen, said his family and friends were very proud of his achievements.