A TEENAGER from the North-East is celebrating after becoming a world champion kickboxer.

Seventeen-year-old Terri Stuart, from Dipton, in County Durham, beat current gold medallist Georgia Capoto,16, from Italy, in a competition at Stanley Civic Hall at the weekend.

Terri, who trains with North East Kickboxing Academy, in Burnopfield, under former world champion, Wes Fagan, is now the Junior Full Contact World Champion with the International Kickboxing Federation.

Mr Fagan, who is also from Dipton, said: “Georgia was a tough girl and pushed Terri to the final bell, but Terri’s work rate and accuracy showed more which influenced the judges to make it a unanimous decision.

“Terri, from day one back in 2009, has always showed all of what is needed to get to the top.

“She lives in the gym, she is always in shape and eats, sleeps and trains kickboxing

“She is the best female fighter I have seen in my 20 plus years involved in the sport.”

Three years ago Terri, when she was still a pupil at Tanfield School, beat 15-year-old Jade Gillian, from Belfast in Northern Ireland, to lift the European title.

Mr Fagan added: “She is a role model for lots of the youngsters at NEKA. The title is a result of hard work and her dedication. I’m so proud of her.

“Terri is undefeated in her full contact career and she has not lost in 17 fights.

“She has fought the best from all over the world. It is quite special that a quiet girl from the area is now the best kickboxer in the world.”