Karate-kicking primary school pupil, Billie-Jade McGuinness of Twist Avenue in Golborne, has fought her way to the top of the sport's grading system at the tender age of just 10.

Incredibly, she already has five years karate experience under her belt and has been training with 5th-dan Sensei Brian Bentham and 2nd-dan Sensei Sarah Lossman since the age of five. She has had the benefit of expert tuition at the Ryu Do Shotokan Karate Academy, which trains at Golborne High School, and recently became the youngest person in their 14-year history to reach black belt level.
Training

Brian, who is a national coach for the British Karate Association, said: "She started with us at a very young age and she trains really hard.
"She's a real tryer and she's now training around three times a week. She's a very dedicated kid and she enters competitions on a regular basis and does well in them.

"Just recently we had a competition at the club and Bille-Jade won every category she took part in."
Anyone interested in expert karate tuition can call Brian on 07736 741 332 any time or call in at Golborne High School on either Monday or Thursday evenings between 6pm and 8.30pm. There is also a family class at Lowton High School on Wednesday evenings from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.