A TALENTED youngster is celebrating becoming a double Thai boxing champion after taking up the sport four years ago.

Ellie Barker, who is a member of Auckland Martial Arts Academy, in Bishop Auckland, won gold medals in the Muay Thai and K1 11 to 13-year-old age group at an international competition in Italy.

The 11-year-old has only lost one of her 13 fights since she began training aged seven.

Her father, Anthony, said she would take part in her first head contact fight in Leicester in March and there were also hopes she could compete in Holland and Thailand later in the year.

He said: “At the moment she really enjoys it and she would like to keep on doing it as a career. “But you don’t know what is around the corner.

“I am really proud of what she has done.”

Ellie’s sister, Dannilee, 16, has also taken up the sport.

Mr Barker thanked all who have supported Ellie, in particular her main sponsor, Glenn Stockley Solutions.