A THUNDERSLEY karate club won gold at a recent southern regional competition and a host of medals to match, as two of their youngest stars did battle against each other.

Stock Shotokan Karate Club won 10 gold medals along with a gold trophy at the Karate Union of Great Britain, Southern Regions of England Championship in Reading.

The stars of the show were Henri Goddard and Skye Taylor who, despite being aged just eight and nine respectively, beat opponents of a higher grade and got through to the final of the Kihon Ippon Kumite to face each other.

Both put in a professional account of themselves and the judges had a hard decision deciding the winner, which was a 3-2 vote in favour of Henri, with Skye taking silver.

In the senior categories, Grace Thompson won a silver medal in the ladies Dan grade kata.

Elsewhere, Martin Shields, James Sanders and Samuel Campbell were each placed third in their individual age group Kumite.

Bethany King, 15, came second in the girls kumite and bringing up the rear were Harry Russell, 14 , Lee Brittney, 13, and Bethany who took joint third place in the Junior Team Kata.

“It has been 40 years since Chief Instructor Terry Irving 5th Dan founded the club and this has been one of the most remarkable years so far,” said sensei Adam Purkiss. “We have won 66 trophies and medals so far.”

Anyone interested in taking up karate can phone Ann Purkiss on 01702 557874 or visit stockskc.co.uk