TITLE-winning trio Macey Whitehead, Alfie Kearsley and Joe Platt put in a "fearless" performance to claim titles at the recent Sandee Novice Championships.

Macey, aged seven, won all five rounds of her first ever competitive bout, while Alfie, aged six, and Joe, aged seven, ran out comfortable winners.

And young Logan Prince, aged seven, came very close to making it a clean sweep for the club, just losing out on points.

It was a proud day for coach and club founder Brendan Walsh, who has been impressed by the enthusiasm his young proteges have shown for the martial art.

"It was the first time in a competitive fight for three of them and only the second time Joe had been in a ring, yet they were completely unfazed by it," said Brendan, who set up the club, based on Central Drive, five years ago.

"They are absolutely fearless and it is great to see.

"I was really chuffed to see three of them get the win as it was just reward for all the hard work they put in.

"They all love competing. All they ever ask me is when is the next competition."

Brendan has been involved in martial arts for more than 20 years and set the Westhoughton club up with his wife after deciding to dedicate more of his time to coaching.

"We cater for all levels and ages of children, from five years old upwards," he added.

"A lot of the kids just get involved for fitness and the social side of things, but we also have a number who compete on a regular basis.

"We will be taking 15 kids to our next event, the MSA Inter-club Championships in Stockport on Sunday."