TWO emerging martial artists from Mid Wales ended among the medals at last weekend’s German Open Championships.

Trewern’s Katie Roberts and Halle Vaughan from Caersws formed part of the WKU Team England to take on the best in Europe and both returned home with medals.

Welshpool High School student Roberts proved one of the stars of the tournament with the 12 year old claiming a gold medal in the kata and silver in the traditional kata.

The second dan brown belt is a member of the Oswestry based MD Warriors Martial Arts Club which is part of the Kros Brothers Martial Arts group.

Proud father Mark said: “It was Katie’s first international tournament so to come home with two medals, one gold, really exceeded everyone’s expectations.

“Everyone in the family is extremely proud of her for all the work and dedication she has shown over the last four years and thanks to all her coaches and sponsors who have helped along the way.”

Roberts will continue her training with her place in the World Championships in August now secured.

Meanwhile Vaughan claimed a silver in the under 25kg and bronze in the under 30kg girls’ kumite to boost her hopes of qualifying for the World Championships to be held in Ireland in August.

The eight year old said: “I’m really happy with this result for my first international against some of the best in Europe, I'm hoping and all fingers and toes are crossed to be picked for the World Championships in Ireland in August. “

Vaughan is now training full-time with WKU England and Lichfield Sport Karate Club following a whirlwind two months which has included her being crowned under 8s girls British champion and Kwon Grand Slam kumite champion.