Karate ace Lauren Manning has been picked to represent England at next month's European Championships.

Greek odyssey - Lauren Manning is heading to Athens to represent England in the European Championships. Picture: STEVE ARGENT 40494-1

The 17-year-old Braintree College student was selected after successful trials in Birmingham, Luton and Dagenham.

She made the grade - ahead of many other hopefuls - and is now looking forward to jetting out to Athens today.

The squad will spend two weeks in the Greek capital for extra training, concentrating on fitness, pad work and sparring.

The 32nd European Junior and Cadet Karate Championships are being held on February 11-13 in the PAOK Sports Arena, Thessaloniki.

Manning will be competing in the Cadet -57kg, 16 to 17-year-old girls Kumite.

Published Friday, January 28, 2005

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