BASILDON’S Phoenix Karate Club represented England in an international meet in Glasgow.

The club, based at Basildon Sporting Village, took 10 children to the Open Shotokan Karate Competition where they took on squads from 18 other countries in both kata and kumite.

Club instructor Haley Marney said: “The students did themselves proud.

“They were up against 1,500 international competitors and learnt a lot from the experience.”

Marney singled out five-year-old Millie Betts, from Corringham, for special praise.

Millie competed in the under-seven category in both kata and kumite and came home with a bronze medal in both.

Trae Gutulu, eight, from Ramsden Heath, also competed in the both kate and kumite, winning a bronze medal in kata.

Canvey duo Chelsy Dolby and Mia Balmer also achieved a podium position in team kata where they were awarded a bronze medal.

On the same weekend, Phoenix had a group of youngsters competing in regional championships at Redbridge.

Riley Bryant, nine, from Canvey, had a succesful competition, finishing second in kumite and third in team kate with CJ Daykin, eight, and Lennie Wright, eight, from Canvey.

Thomas Sheedy, seven, also achieved a creditable third in kumite. Not to be out done by the younger competitors, the cadets impressed too.

Nicky Gosnold, 14, was awarded a third in kumite with Canvey team-mate Piau Maprangon, 15, who also achieved second in kata.

Phoenix train at both the Basildon Sporting Village and Corringham Impulse Leisure centre.

For more information, call 07884 028969.