York karate star Carly Pringle won gold at the KUGB National Karate Championships in Birmingham's National Indoor Arena in the Girl’s 10-11 Kumite.

The competition covered competitors from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Pringle, who is a Year 6 student at Elvington Primary School, started karate at the age of 6 and has progressed significantly under the expert guidance of Sensei Rob McCartney at York Elite Karate (www.yorkelite.com). The 11 year old had to fight through four rounds of eliminators before progressing to the semi-finals and final to claim the gold medal.

Sensei McCartney commented "Everyone at the club is delighted with Carly's success. She has a great attitude to training and always has a smile on her face, made even bigger at the weekend."

Pringle achieved her first Dan black belt in January this year and this was her first full contact competition and overcame nerves to perform exceptionally well throughout the competition following advice from her instructors.

In addition to the Elvington-based pupil's success, Owen Dunckley also of York Elite Karate, claimed a bronze medal in the Children's Ippon Kumite. The nine year old had to battle through five rounds to advance into the semi-finals before eventually bowing out. Also, 18 year old Fraser Grice won a silver medal in the Male Kumite event providing a strong showing from the York-based club.