A BILLERICAY karate club has won big at the European Karate Championship in Serbia, returning home with a number of medals.

Four talented youngsters from the yushikai.co.uk, and also members of the JKA England Karate Team, excelled overseas, with Victoria Herranz-Walsh, 12, Trent Moroney, 10 and big brothers Brody, 11 and Cian, 13 showing their worth against an international field of talented teenagers.

Held in the city of Nis, Victoria was competing in her first international event but she showed superb composure to come away with gold and bronze medals in the Kumite divisions.

Both Trent and Brody put in credible performances but were unfortunate to be paired against strong opponents and eventual winners in the early rounds.

Cian showed skill and determination to make it all the way to the final in the team Kumite division, where he finished runner-up and vice champion of Europe, along with England team mates Owen Cook (York) and Endri Krasniqi (Westminster).

And chief instructor Dave Paulus said the sky was the limit for the young athletes.

“I’m extremely proud of them all,” said Paulus, chief instructor. “They are a pleasure to teach as they are ambitious and really enthusiastic.

“We are all expecting great things from them in the future.”

Anyone interested in giving karate a go is advised to contact the Yushikai Academy, which is offering free trial classes for children aged four and above, as well as for teens and adults.

For more information or to reserve a place, call 01277 650366 or visit the website yushikai.co.uk.