Six members of Farsley-based Leeds Karate Academy represented JKS England at the Swedish International Open Karate Championships in Malmo, Sweden.

Selected to represent JKS England were Callam Payne, Stephen Brown, Ashley Scott, Melissa Finlay, Emelye O'Brien and Oliver Deane.

Deane fought well, progressing to the final before losing out to a Danish competitor. Silver was an excellent result given that he had only turned 16 a few days before and this was his first event as a Junior.

Bradford teenager O’Brien was in excellent form but, unfortunately, had to withdraw due to injury after the first round.

The highlight of the day was the Senior Female Kumite -61kg, where there was an all Leeds Karate Academy final, with Scott narrowly beating Finlay to the title with a 1-0 victory.

Both ladies have been regular medallists recently and were part of the team that narrowly lost to Japan last year in Tokyo.

The ladies, along with JKS team-mate Nikki Stockham, took the bronze in the Female Team Kumite.

Squad coach Matt Price said: “These are fantastic results. To have Ashley and Melissa fighting it out for the gold at such an impressive international event was an incredible achievement and Oliver gaining a Silver at his first event, both at this level and age group, was outstanding.”

Anybody interested in starting karate can contact Nick Heald on 07747-607283 or e-mail n_heald@hotmail.com or see the club website at www.lka.org.uk