YOUNG Christopher Garrity was the Ace in the pack after he was crowned world kick boxing champion.

The 12-year-old from Ramsey's Ace Kick Boxing Club won gold at the Unified World Championships in Italy - an event billed as the greatest world meeting of martial arts and combat sports.

Christopher's victory in the U12s +40kg full contact continuous class was the highlight of a medal winning performance from the Blackburn-based club.

For while Ramsey's may not be one of the biggest around but it certainly packs a punch.

The club sent six members to Tuscany and they more than held their own.

Despite being up against 10,000 competitors from 120 different countries, the Ramsey team all returned as medal winners.

Head instructor Paul Ramsey, a black belt fourth dan, was delighted with his club's haul of 10 medals.

"We have a membership of around 30 so for us to go to what is widely regarded as the biggest kick boxing event in the world," said Ramsey who won two bronze medals himself. "It was a fantastic achievement and I am extremely proud of everyone who went."

For Christopher, who took up martial arts five years ago, it was the icing on the cake having won Area, English and British titles.

"It is something he has dreamed of every since taking up kick boxing," said dad Christopher Snr. "I know that sounds a little strange as he is only 12 but he has already won Area, English and British titles to his completes the set."

While Christopher's gold was the standout moment, it was a memorable event for the club as a whole with all six getting their moment on the podium

Philip Davey was the youngest medal winner, the seven-year-old winning silver in the U10s -40kg full contact class.

Connor Gray, 11, won bronze in the U14s +40kg full contact category while Liam Donlin was a double medal winner, claiming a silver and a bronze in the U12s -40gk weight decision.

In the senior section, Juris Jermolovics, 37, won three medals in the 100kg class, winning a silver and two bronze medals.

And chief instructor Ramsey picked up two bronze medals in the 78kg category.

"We wanted to test ourselves at this level as we have been very successful at British level," added Ramsey. "So to take just six fighters and all come away with medals was fantastic," The club was able to make the trip to Tuscany thanks to months of fund raising events included exhibitions, tombolas and raffles while they also had the generous support of local businesses.

"We wanted to take the worry of raising funds away from the families so we did it as a club," added Ramsey. "We work very hard within the community and it is great to see youngsters coming here and gaining that sense of achievement."

The club thanked Asda, Steve Roberts O2 Shops, RMS Scaffolding, Stop and Rest Pub,