A SCHOOLGIRL with a talent for martial arts has launched a bid to compete in the London Olympics next year.

Fresh from being crowned British taekwondo champion in the under 49kg category, Aneila Afsar now has her sights set on the world’s biggest sporting event.

And she has now been supported by Pendle Council with a special grant.

The thirteen-year-old Pendle Vale College pupil, who trains at Jakaun Bal Taekwondo Club in Nelson, took up the martial art at the age of six.

She said: “Taekwondo’s not about fighting, it’s really fast and I like the adrenaline.”

Her mum Janat said: “I wanted to get her involved because she was quite quiet and shy.

"I’d like her success to bring more people, especially girls, to the sport.”

After gaining her black belt last year, Aneila is now gearing up to compete in tournaments in London in July, Dublin in October, Germany in December and Holland in February.

She has been given a boost after councillors on Pendle’s Nelson Committee pledged support to the tune of £1,000.

Councillor Nadeem Younis, who chairs the committee, said: “We’re proud to support her with £1,000 towards her travel and training expenses and wish her well in the future.

“This young lady is proof that there are talented youngsters from our town who are helping to put us on the map in a positive way.”