FOUR members of Tower Shukokai travelled to Bradford for the Amateur Martial Association National Karate Championships and came back with three trophies.

In the 13-14-year-old girls coloured belt category, Imogen Skipper from Blacksnape was hoping for good things – having picked up bronze in her first outing the previous month.

Team-mate, Molly Nelligan of Turton is a spirited fighter but lacked experience on the big stage.

But both girls won through to the final, to set up an all Tower showdown as friends and club-mates were pitted together for champion and runner-up positions.

Molly made much of the early running with some smart and aggressive punch-kick combinations, but the taller Imogen managed to hold her off with counter punches, using her long reach to best advantage.

The final score of 4-0 gave Imogen the title but the score did not do justice to Molly's spirited challenge.

Nevertheless both girls were delighted with their trophies.

Coach Andy Allwood believes that the talented pair have a bright future before them.

Martyn Skipper, 48, is no stranger to big competitions and, as he is in training for the WUKF European Veterans’ Championships in Irvine, Ayrshire in June, was expecting at least a podium place in this tournament.

But despite some canny footwork and trademark deft counter-punching, Skipper was eliminated in the quarter finals, losing 5-2 to the eventual champion.

His team-mate, Richard Swann, however, fared somewhat better, also in the Veteran category.

The Bolton GP from Edgworth was also a first timer but managed to pick up bronze – losing a brave semi final to current World veteran Silver Medallist Darren Snell.

With gold, silver and bronze, the three celebrated their victory as they returned to their regular club training session at Edgworth School on Monday.

Martyn’s disappointment was eased by the pride of seeing his daughter and two of his students lift trophies.

The event was held at the Richard Dunn Sports Centre – the second year it has been held at this venue.