GOLDEN girls Holly Bamford and Eve Nixon led a North Yorkshire assault on the medals at the JKS Karate Open in Nottingham.

The two youngsters were part of a 37-strong IJKA Yorkshire team, comprising members from Haxby, York and Selby karate clubs.

The Yorkshire contingent competed with fighters from across England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland, mostly in the kata (designed to test individual technique) and kumite (free style sparring) disciplines.

Haxby Karate Club’s Bamford, aged ten, won the individual kata for ten to 15-year-olds, while York Karate Club’s Nixon took gold in the individual kumite for 12 to 14-year-olds.

The Yorkshire side also scooped another eight medals, with York Karate Club’s Max Baudouin winning a silver medal in the individual kata in the 16 and over age category.

Selby’s Julie Dallison was third in the individual kumite for 18 and over women, while club-mate Paul Brant won bronze in the 40-plus individual kumite.

York’s Shaun Bushby and Jordan Ranking bagged bronze medals in the team kata for the over-16s, as did Haxby’s Simon Flint.

There was also a bronze for Tom Smith in the team kumite for 13 to 15-year-olds.

Haxby’s Simon Flint paid tribute to all the medallists and added: “A special mention must go to Holly, who is only ten.

“Also, well done to all the other members of the team who just missed out on the medals but still put in a great performance.”

Meanwhile, Haxby Karate Club are running a beginners’ course on Monday, December 7 and Thursday, December 10 for anyone interested in trying out the sport.

Training is held at the Recreation Hall in Wigginton on Mondays and Thursdays, from 7pm to 8pm for juniors, and 7pm to 9pm for adults.

Further information is available by visiting the website www.haxbykarate.com or by emailing simon@haxbykarate.com.

York Karate Club train at St Olave’s School on Wednesdays, from 7pm to 9pm, and at St Chad’s Church Hall on Mondays, from 7pm to 9pm.

Selby Karate Club meet at Barlby High School on Sundays, from 5.30pm to 8.30pm. New members always welcome.

More information is available on the www.yorkkarateclub.co.uk and www.selbyshotokankarateclub.blogspot.com websites.