SIX young martial artists excelled at the GTI English Open Tae Kwon Do Championships in Cheltenham.

The youngsters, aged between nine and 14 and who compete for Farnham School of Tae Kwon Do, all performed with great determination against national rivals.

Nine year old Sophia Record, competing in her first major tournament, led the way for Farnham, winning the bronze medal in yellow belt girls' lightweight sparring. Hattie Leach and Millie Davis followed up with bronze and silver respectively in green belt girls' middleweight sparring.

Max Todd and Anish Rai made sure that it was not all about girl power, with Max winning bronze in green belt boys' middleweight sparring and Anish battling bravely to the bronze medal in red belt boys' light heavyweight sparring.

Amber Wilson, 14, enhanced her growing reputation as a promising Tae Kwon Do competitor by putting together some fierce combinations of high kicks and rapid jabs to convincingly outpoint all of her opponents on the way to the final. Again, putting her kicking ability to good use, and urged on by her team mates and spectators, Amber dominated her final opponent to record a well-deserved win and the title of GTI English Champion for her division.

Farnham School of Tae Kwon Do coach and instructor, Tim Ayres-Townshend, said: "All six competitors showed remarkable spirit and exemplary sporting behaviour. They are fine ambassadors for the town of Farnham".

Next up for Farnham School of Tae Kwon Do is the PUMA World Championships in March.