A HYO Gen Do fighter from Dartford has been selected to represent England in the junior cadet European championships and European Cup championships in Paris early next year.

Wilmington Grammar School pupil Ben Coward, 16, discovered he would be travelling to France when national karate coach Ticky Donovan OBE announced the kata squad selection at Dartford Judo Club on Sunday.

Donovan praised the club’s staff, impressive facilities and the 120 athletes who attended the initial training session.

He also thanked the referees who attended on the day for their help in ensuring the selections ran smoothly and on time.

Donovan added special thanks to Surdhur Mohinder for medical coverage and coaches Wayne Otto OBE, Juliette Toney, Gillian Toney, Greg Francis and Jonathan Mottram.