A BOLTON teenager has just scooped silverware at the Clash Sparring Kickboxing US Open in Florida.

Mark Keenan, who is Year 11 pupil at Canon Slade School returned from his bouts at Under-15 level after finishing third in the competition.

The 15-year-old admits it was a chance in lifetime trip.

He said: "It was a really fantastic experience and it was the first time I had been to a World Championships.

"I had to do lots of training to get ready for it.

"I fought five people then lost another which meant I finished third."

The Marsden Black Belt Academy in Halliwell fighter started the sport for six years and is hopeful for the future.

He said: "I am going to the Bristol Open in three weeks and I have also become a black belt second dan.

"In the long term I want to win a World Championship then teach other people in classes as I already do it a bit at the club."