Wickford's Tom Mahoney is a real Karate Kid -- and he's got the medals to prove it.

Just for kicks -- Tom shows his skills Picture: Terence Bunch 7YH9N5C

The 10-year-old claimed gold in his category at the British Wado Ryu Championships in Hampshire.

Young Tom is dedicated to his sport, training regularly three or four times a week with TSKF in Romford and Ilford since taking it up three years ago.

And father Gerry was delighted with the weekend's success. "We're very proud," he said. "It can be very time-consuming but getting a result like this makes it all worthwhile."

Published Friday, March 15, 2002