William de Ferrers student Toby Lynas, from South Woodham Ferrers, was the winner of gold and silver medals at the recent Karate UK National Finals held in Sheffield.

Competition was fierce and exciting for the many medals and titles on offer.

Competitors had won their place through four qualifying tournaments held across the UK.

Toby has been a member of GKR karate club for seven years and trains three times a week.

Winning the national title gives him the opportunity to compete in the World Championships being held in Birmingham next year.

Toby said: “I was really nervous and excited about competing at such a big event.

“I had trained hard and knew the competition was going to be tough, and it was.

“I am looking forward to the World Championships next year and will be working even harder to try to win the gold medal.”

Toby won a gold medal in Kata and a silver medal in Team Kata.

Clare Welham, head of PE at the William de Ferrers School, said: “We are overjoyed with Toby’s karate success.

“He is hard working and committed to his chosen activity. We wish him every success at the World Championships.”