BUSINESS is backing karate star Paul Newby as he prepares to take on the world later in the year.

Newby, from Silsden, recently won bronze at the European Championships held in Moscow and is now preparing for the World Championships.

His medal-winning performance in Moscow helped him maintain his place among England's World Class Performance athletes which brings lottery funding, and he has been sponsored by local company West Riding Toyota who are providing him with a car.

He was only English competitor to get a medal at the European championships and beat the current world champion along the way.

"It was a tremendous competition, but all the top competitors get support and I am delighted that a local company has come forward to help me in my quest to become world champion," Paul said.