Bradford has a new world champion - at the ripe old age of 40.

Chris Beanland of Wrose, near Shipley, has just returned from Miami where he took gold at the Sixth World Open Taekwondo Championships.

Exponents from all different kinds of taekwondo took part in the competition. Beanland, a member of the Taekwondo Association of Great Britain, was part of a 100-strong contingent from Britain.

"After 19 years studying the sport, this is quite something for me," said the driver-by-day, and taekwondo instructor by night.

Beanland runs classes in Thackley and Keighley. This weekend, he is hoping to strike gold again - in the British Championships at Kettering.

Beanland beat off challenges from American and Dutch fighters to claim his gold in the patterns division - a similar form to the kata in karate.

He followed up that success with a silver in the sparring division for over 75 kilos.

The sport requires high levels of fitness. Beanland said: "There is a lot of kicking involved and yes, you do need to be fit. I've been involved in the sport for 19 years and I would advise youngsters to take it up.

"It brings with it confidence and discipline. I teach people of all ages from six onwards. It is extremely rewarding."

There are around 100,000 registered taekwondo exponents in England - and the sport is

growing.