TEN-year-old Andrew Battersby proved he was a true karate kid when he won gold at the GKR UK Championships.

Andrew, who attends St Peter's Primary School pupil, Leigh, has been training under Sensei John at GKR Karate International for six years and is now only a couple of grades away from gaining his black belt. His age meant he had to compete against older boys in the 10-12s category, but he still came out on top, winning his 13th medal.

Dad Stephen, of Fell Street, Leigh, said: "When he started school we introduced him to as many different sports as possible and this is the one he chose to stick at."

Andrew is now focusing on the World Championships to be held in Birmingham next year.

He is committed and keen, and winning competitions does him a world of good."