AN ELEVEN-year-old school girl continues to pack a punch for Britain, after becoming a kick-boxing world champion for the second year running.

Shannon Priestley, from Ramsbottom, returned victorious once again from the World Kickboxing Champion-ships, winning a gold medal in the "continuous" category, and a bronze in the "points" in the 25kilos and under class.

Last year the tough youngster won a gold in the "points" and silver in the "continuous", becoming world champ for the first time.

This year was the fourth time Shannon, a pupil at St Joseph's RC Primary School, has represented her country.

Her proud dad Sean always accompanies her on the trips abroad to compete, and said he was delighted with his daughter's achievements in Karlsruhe, Germany, where the contest was held this year.

Sean said: "She did really well, and she was pleased with the result because it was quite a tough competition this year, with kickboxers from 26 different countries."

Shannon took up kickboxing when she was seven, and has honed her skills at Alf's Blackbelt Academy in Stacksteads, where she trains three times a week.

Her talent means she is not only a tough young girl, but a very well travelled one. She has also been to Switzerland, Canada and Spain to compete, and America now beckons.

Sean, who lives in Fern Street with his wife Michelle and their two other children Natasha, 17, and Lee, five, said: "She's still improving and we've no doubt she'll qualify for next year's England squad for the championships, which she's really looking forward to because it's being held in Florida."