IT seems you are never too young to be a golden girl.

That was proved by Annie Briffa, the youngest member of Aspull Warriors Wrestling Club, who won gold at the Tryst Open Wrestling competition at Ravenscraig Regional Sports Centre in Motherwell.

Five-year-old Annie, a pupil at Washacre Primary School, wrestled in the Tryst Open 18kg weight category and, having only taken up the sport five months ago, brought home the gold medal in what was her first competition.

All of the 16 Aspull wrestlers who travelled up to Scotland won medals, including Annie's big sister Alice, who scooped gold in the 26kg weight category. Alice, who attends Westhoughton High School, added that victory to the English championship the 11-year-old grappled her way to in May.

Also tasting success was Lewis Mulligan, a pupil at St Joseph's RC High School. Lewis came third in May's English championships and last weekend he collected silver in a highly competitive 35kg category.

"Lewis' mum and dad, Denise and Wayne, are so proud of him, he has trained hard for his results and deserves his success," said Alice and Annie's mum Allie. "Alice wrestled with determination to win and showed amazing strength. She wrestled hard and did not give up.

"We're really proud of Annie for stepping on the mat. Her coach Damian Metcalfe calls Annie his little Warriorette and we're looking forward to watching her wrestle at more competitions in the future. There was lots of support and cheering from local wrestling clubs from the sidelines."