FOUR karate students have fought against the best in the country.

The group competed in the National Karate Championships in Sheffield last month.

Nick Hayhurst, 14, pictured, a member of Thirsk Karate Club, returned with a bronze medal, while 12-year-old Jacob Spencer, also from the Thirsk club, was fourth in the kata class. The other two competitors were Rebecca Boulton, 12, and Shaun Appleyard, 14, both from Ripon Karate Club.

Instructor sensei Ady Gray said: "The four students from our region did extremely well and were able to show that some of the best karate in the country is practised here in North Yorkshire. They should be very proud of themselves for again reaching national standard, and for all the effort."