Tower Shukokai Karate Club sent two athletes to the AMA North West Open at the Castle Leisure Centre, Bury.

This can be considered Tower's ‘home’ tournament and in the past gold medals have been taken here by Andy Allwood, Martyn Skipper and Imogen Skipper.

This year, Tower was represented by Imogen Skipper and Philip Wan – coached by Martyn Skipper and Matthew Rathmill.

Wan took silver in the men’s senior kata (forms) event. At 36, Phil is now a veteran but nevertheless took the podium in the senior event.

Imogen, 16, studying for A Levels at QEGS, was defeated in the Cadet (15-17 years) kumite quarter finals by team-mate, and European silver medallist, Charli Payne of London.

Imogen also contested the senior kumite event though and won through to the final, defeating European medallist Emily Carpendale of Bury on the way.

Her final opponent, Kat Fewster of Scunthorpe proved t0o strong and experienced and Imogen took silver.

Imogen's progress continues in preparation for the Junior World Championships in Szczecin, Poland next month.

Tower Shukokai is run by Andy Allwood and Martyn Skipper, both 5th dans The club meets at Edgworth School on Mondays and Saturday. Log on to www.towershukokai.co.uk8