ST HELENS fighters had success at the KUGB 49th National Championships which took place at the Birmingham Barclaycard Arena (NIA).

Along with hundreds of Karataka from across the country, four competitors took part from the St Helens Karate Club – Nicole Donoghue, Shaun Mills, Chloe Hill and Faye Rodgers.

The prestigious event, which is the Pinnacle of the Karate Union of Great Britain's calendar, saw two of the clubs members take their place on the podium.

Mills, a13-year-old Mills from Thatto Heath, took the bronze medal in the under 16s Kumite.

Donoghue, aged 19 of New Bold, taking the top spot in the Junior Kumite.

She said: "Competing at the Nationals is always a great day, the atmosphere in such a large arena is fantastic.

"I had some really strong fights on the day in the run up to the finals, unfortunately, my opponent and England Team mate Beth Nicholson had to pull out of the final fight due to injury.

"I hope that 2015 will be a good year, I took first place in the North West Open a few weeks back and this is the 3rd time I have took the top spot at the Nationals and I hope it won't be the last.

"I am so proud of all who competed in the Nationals from St Helens, its great to see some of our youngsters coming through and getting placed, our coach Ian Roberts works hard with all of us and he deserves the recognition for us doing so well."

Meanwhile Donoghue has been picked to compete for the KUGB in the EKC (English Karate Council), this Sunday in Sheffield.

This competition will see the four main governing bodies going head to head in competition.

For further information on St Helens Karate, call 07930 174 977