STUDENTS from Train Taekwondo Schools in York are heading to the Birmingham Barclaycard arena this weekend for the Taekwondo International World Championships.

The event, which is set to be the biggest martial arts championship held in the UK, will welcome competitors from over 20 countries including, Australia, USA, Canada, Argentina, Sweden, Holland and Russia.

Gavin Cook, chief instructor at the schools based at York Archbishop Holgate’s School and Stamford Bridge said: "All the competitors have put in some serious training time. It's going to be a very tough event. We will be competing against the very best. Any student who wins will truly be a world champion.

"I know the team will put in a sterling performance," he added. "It will be an amazing experience to be part of the event and to have the opportunity to represent your country."

List of competitors: Gavin Cook, Harry Cook, Phoenix Taylor, Brad Lightfoot, Zac Lightfoot, Ash Lightfoot, John Smallwood-Thompson, Sarah Sharp, Miles Rodeo, Paul Smallwood-Thompson, Howard Cambridge, Paul Edmondson, Grace Edmondson, Jarred Edmondson, Jack Cook, Loren Barnes, Jake Roberts, Jake Barnes, Jake Noel, Adam Benson, James Anderson, Cooper Scaife-Lacy, Jennie Allen Turner, Scott Rayner, Philip Scaife, Oscar Rayner.

Train Taekwondo Schools are sponsored by Troy Foods Limited based in Leeds.

Meanwhile, Ben Rule from Acomb won a bronze medal representing Team England at the International Sport Kickboxing Association (ISKA) World Championships 2016 held in Stuttgart, Germany.

He also won the 5th British Championships last month at the World Fightsport & Martial Arts (WFMA) held in Birmingham.