NORTH Yorkshire’s Oliver Richardson is gearing up to compete in the British Tae Kwon Do Championships in Cardiff on Sunday.

After less than a year competing in the sport, Leavening-based Richardson has won a number of medals, including golds at four events across the country, one of which came in the boys’ lightweight yellow-stripe belt category at the World Championships in Coventry in July.

The 11-year-old, who is also a black belt in kick boxing, joined the Stamford Bridge-based East York Tae Kwon Do Club in January and, as part of his build-up to competing in the British Championships, he has secured sponsorships from the surrounding area, most recently with £200 from Karro Food Group, based in Malton.

Mike Carr, factory manager at Karro Food Group, said: “It’s fantastic that someone from our region is competing in the British Tae Kwon Do Championships and we want to wish Oliver the best of luck.”

Richardson said: “I can’t wait to compete in the British Championships. I love this sport and always look forward to training with the club. I hope I make everyone proud.”