Karate kid on

top of the world

A KARATE KID has become a world beater after winning a gold medal at a world championship.

Ten-years-old Andrew Battersby of Fell Street, Leigh, was crowned world champion at the GKR World Cup in Birmingham after he won the top prize in the 10-11-years-old 3rd - 1st kyu category.

The national champion, 2nd brown belt fought an 11-year-old Australian black belt in the final to win gold for Great Britain.

And as well as Karate, the talented sportsman also plays rubgy league and swims for the Leigh Life Savers.

His mum Alison, who also competed at the GKR World Cup, said she was so proud of her son's achievements.

She told the Journal: "It was very difficult for Andrew to win the gold medal. He fought someone two grades above himself, so for him to win was fantastic.

"He went to bed with his gold medal around his neck. We had to tell him to take it off before he went to sleep. The whole weekend was great -- especially the opening ceremony. Andrew was walking ten feet tall when he came out with the Great Britain squad."

The St Peters Junior School student, who took up the sport aged just four, has won 16 karate medals, including two national GKR titles and now the world title -- his most prized possession.

Andrew, who trains at Golborne High School is now training towards retaining the national title he won last November. And he is looking for potential sponsors to help fund a trip to New Zealand for the next GKR World Cup in 2005.

Potential sponsors can contact Alison on 07747726458.