MARTIAL art students won 23 trophies when they took part in a national competition.

The 21 pupils, aged between nine and 42, from Redcar, were competing in the national championships of the World Tang Soo Do Association, which promotes the 3,000-year-old Korean martial art.

More than 330 competitors of all ages from 31 clubs attended the competition, held in Peterborough earlier this month.

Redcar's Northern Tang Soo Do club came eighth.

Stephanie Morgan, 12, was a double national champion at under-13 level. Dave Weedall won the under-45 sparring title.

Instructor Martin Silk, 42, said: "Everyone involved worked really hard for what we knew was going to be a difficult competition and I am proud of what my students achieved.

"The club has only been going for six months so I really could not have asked for more from my students. Their effort and determination were excellent."

Tang soo do is similar to tae kwon do, but unlike tae kwon do it is a disciplined fighting art form rather than a sport.

"It is a great way to learn self defence although the higher grades use weapons," said Mr Silk.

"Age is really no issue. Our oldest member is currently 53 but people much older can take part.

"We're happy to take children from five upwards so long as they're able to concentrate and learn."

For further information contact Mr Silk on (01642) 293146