MEMBERS of a Basildon karate club were asked to represent England at a European Championship.

Eight youngsters from Phoenix Karate club, which is based at the town’s Sporting Village, took part in the traditional shotokan karate championships in Glasgow.

Eleven-year-old Liam Dunmore, from Canvey, was one of the club’s star performers.

Dunmore, became the European champion in pairwork in the 10 to 12 brown belt category.

Charlie Betts, from Corringham, also 11, achieved equally fantastic results with four medals in all four categories he competed in, including the pair work where he combined with team-mate Dunmore.

The club also won bronze in the team kumite discipline.

Not to be out done by the boys, Mia Sheedy 12, from Canvey, competed in the individual kata and kumite. She was awarded silver after perfoming bassai dai in kata and bronze in kumite.

Finally, Cheri Stokes, chief Instructor fifth dan, managed to achieve the double by winning both individual kata and kumite European Championships for black belt ladies veteran section. Stokes said: “That was my last competition I just wanted to push myself and see if I had anything more to still offer in competitions.

“I can now focus on the children who are coming through.”

Phoenix Karate club has clubs in Shoeburyness Leisure Centre, Southend Tennis Centre, Basildon Sporting Village, Corringham Leisure Centre, Basildon Sports centre and Phoenix Dojo on Canvey.

Call 01268 681927 or 07884028969 for more details.