AT only 11 years old, karate kid Rachel Harrison is already celebrating national success.

Rachel, of Catchgate, near Stanley, won the ten and 11 years age group individual kumite for competitors weighing 40kgs and over in the National Children's Championships in Sheffield.

Rachel, who is a pupil at Greencroft Comprehensive School, has won 19 trophies since she took up karate three-and-a-half years ago.

Karate is very much a family affair as brother Lee, who has just turned 11, and mum Clare, also attend the Kihan Karate Club at Stanley's Louisa Centre.

Rachel's father, Paul, said: "Rachel's brother Lee wanted to take up karate first and we took Rachel along but didn't think she would stick it." Coach John Hodgson said: "What can't I say about Rachel. She hasn't been training that long and she will be due for her black belt in three weeks.

"She has come on in leaps and bounds since she started with us. A black belt usually takes about four years to achieve.

"I haven't had a great deal of people of that age at black belt level. Rachel is doing very well and she will hold her own with some of the bigger people at the club."

Mr Harrison said: "We are really proud of Rachel and what she has achieved. I fancied doing karate myself but I haven't got the time."

Rachel said she is looking forward to achieving her black belt and adding that award to the rest.