Members of Young Gloves Karate represented Team England at the ICO World Karate Championships in Thonon-les-Bains, helping the country finish second in the overall medal table behind the USA.

The four-day competition attracted more than 4,000 entries from 35 countries, with the Kidderminster team securing 13 gold, seven silver and four bronze medals.

The medals were won across several disciplines, including traditional kata, different karate styles, weapons and kumite.

Steve Wentworth Pollock led the club's medal tally with five golds and one bronze.

Ethan Bishop secured two golds, two silvers and one bronze, while Annalise Wentworth Pollock claimed two golds and one bronze.

Paulina Makazlieva won two golds and one silver, Joe Lloyd collected one gold, two silvers and one bronze and Sam Hayes secured one gold and two silvers.

Young Gloves Karate founder and senior instructor Shihan Justin Thomas BEM praised the team's achievements.

He said: "I'm incredibly proud of this squad, not just for what they've achieved in France, but for the people they are and the way they come together as a team.

"They are humble, grounded, loyal and respectful.”

"They play together, work together and support one another, both on and off the mat.

"The medals are a fantastic reward for their dedication, but the team spirit, friendship and respect behind them make me just as proud.

“They've represented England, Young Gloves Karate and our local community brilliantly.

"They are a credit to their families and themselves, and I'm excited to see what this squad can achieve together in the future.”

Founded in 1999, Young Gloves Karate is a family-run club serving Kidderminster and the wider Wyre Forest area.

Alongside karate and Boxercise sessions, the club delivers anti-bullying programmes, anti-knife crime awareness activities and self-defence training.

It also runs dedicated disability karate classes and works with local schools, charities and community organisations.

The club has raised more than £90,000 for charitable causes.

Mr Thomas thanked everyone who supported the competitors, including Dave Tredwell and the ICO Team England organisers.