A high-kicking Raynes Park schoolgirl has fought her way to victory in a national karate tournament.

Jaye Gearing, 11, grappled her way to the top in Sheffield this weekend.

She had to battle against four opponents to take the crown for her age category in the kumite - or sparring - discipline during Saturday’s English national championships at the Ponds Forge Sports Centre.

She also finished third in her age group in the competition’s kata - movement - discipline.

Jaye is a member of the England Karate Kan club in New Malden, and trains four days a week. The Chessington Community College pupil, who lives in Melbury Gardens, hopes to achieve her black belt in the sport next year.