A Barnoldswick mum triumphed at the ITF British Open Championships by taking home a gold and bronze medal.

Lauren Stott, 42, became a black belt in the martial arts sport last November, and despite breaking her ankle eight weeks before the grading - as well as dealing with her father passing a way just days before - received a 'best in grading' award.

Despite the difficult journey, the resilient Lauren, and her son, became a black belt and instructor and is passionate about using Taekwondo to help children develop and teaching important life skills, discipline, and self-control.

Lauren began Taekwondo in 2017 after she started taking her son to classes and has achieved an incredible milestone in her martial arts journey within the space of five years.

Lancashire Telegraph: TSX Martial Arts Team at the British Open Championships TSX Martial Arts Team at the British Open Championships (Image: TSX)

Speaking on her win at the competition, which was held in Luton last Sunday (November 27), Lauren said: “It’s been quite an intense year with a lot of training.

"Winning was quite a surprise really because it was such a big stage to be on and to be able to achieve something like that – I’m just pleased with myself, really.”

Lauren won a gold medal in patterns, which is a set of movements, techniques, and defences in a logical sequence to deal with one or more imaginary opponents, and a bronze in sparring.

She added: “It just shows that no matter what age you are, you can still aspire to do things like this.

"Also, as an instructor I want to lead from the front for the kids for them to see and think ‘if she can do it, then I can do it,’ so hopefully they feel that.”

Teammates from TSX Martial Arts club, which is based in Pendle, also performed in the international British competition and between them, took home an impressive 22 medals consisting of eight bronze, nine silver and five gold.

Two months ago, Lauren and her previous instructor, Philip Millington-Downing who is a fifth Dan black belt, opened a purpose built dojang at Soughbridge Mill in Kelbrook for their club, and are encouraging children and adults to take up the sport.

Lauren shared that the sport has benefitted her immensely and wants to promote the benefits to others.

She said: “I think, physically, martial arts works you in every different way that a gym can’t do as well as working your mind and having to remember things.

“It also just gives you a release as well where you’re in a safe environment to spar and feel that you can also defend yourself.

“To me, it’s an all-round sport that gives you everything and it amazing to see kids coming in without confidence or they’re being bullied, or they’ve had awful things happen and just becoming more confidence in themselves and holding themselves differently – it’s just brilliant.”

The club is open six days a week and as well as Taekwondo, offers kickboxing and fitness classes.