A TAEKWONDO team from Darlington and Weardale are counting down the days until they compete at their first International competition in Portugal.

The squad of ten, ranging from 12 to 47-years-old, have been practising since November for the competition in Peniche and instructor Katey Wallace said it will be an excellent learning curve.

“When I was the age of some of the younger ones I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to travel with Taekwondo and compete and because of that I want to give other youngsters the same, if not more chances than I had.

“This International competition is a step up in class for all of them but I believe they are ready to compete at that level and if nothing else it will be a tremendous opportunity and experience for them and something for them to build on.”

In the squad competing are father and son, Chris and Harry Evans, 16, from Darlington, father and children, Tony, Sara,15, and Daniel Graham, 12, all black belts from Frosterley and Viktoras Kostinas, 32, Leah Moss, 14, Max Tams, 12, and Louis Welch, 22, all from Darlington.

The competition last year saw 500 competitors from 15 different countries attend.

The squad fly out on March 26 and compete in traditional as well as fighting disciples over the weekend of March 28.

If anyone is interested in getting involved in Taekwondo either as an adult or a child you can book a free taster session at your closest club on their website.

Lessons are available in Weardale, Teesdale and Haughton Education Village at Darlington: visit www.chungdokwantkd.co.uk.