ELEVEN members of the Bexley Karate Organisation went to Gravesend in search of gold.

The event was the annual Kamazen Open karate tournament, which featured no fewer than 15 different categories.

In his first ever competitive fixture, nine-year-old Sean Chin walked off with gold in the Kumite (or fighting) class.

Silver-medallist Daniel Wicks, 10, was unlucky to lose in the final of the over 4ft 6ins Kata category, but any disappointment was offset when he picked up the technique of the day award for a perfectly executed backhand punch.

But arguably the performance of the day came from Nicole Porter, 17, who collected gold when she defeated a member of the GB squad in the final of the ladies' category.

Other medallists included: Lucy Murray in the Kata under 4ft 6ins category (bronze); golds for Elaine Shattock (under 5ft) and Jack Hopper (over 5ft); and in the under 4ft 6ins category Chloe Chin and Tyler Dooley picked up bronze, whilst Daniel Grubb claimed gold.

Instructor and co-founder of the Bexley club Tony Cullen said: "It was a fantastic day, and the students should be very proud of themselves. They all showed great courage, and displayed an extremely high level of karate."

Whether a student or teacher, to find out more about the Bexley Karate Organisation, which trains twice a week at the Europa Gymnastic Club, in Fraser Road, Erith, visit their website at www.bexleykarate. org or call Mr Cullen on 07940 592812. Membership for the year is £5, whilst each session costs £4.50.