A TEENAGER has fought her way to the top to become grappling world champion, after just a year learning the art.

Emily Fagan, 15, of Whitworth Street, Nelson, travelled to Ireland with Burnley's Black Knights kickboxing club to take part in the World Organisation of Martial Arts Athletes competition.

And she took gold for grappling, a technique which is used in kickboxing but is also assessed on its own The Park High School pupil said she was encouraged to take up kickboxing by her dad, Raymond Fagan, 39, who used to box when he was younger. After seeing a newspaper advertisement, Emily joined Black Knights and a few months ago, took part in a trial for the Great Britain kickboxing team, at the Burnley gym.

She went on to compete at the championships in April, in grappling, where she went head-to-head with the only other young female contestant, and won, although she believes she could have taken on more experienced athletes.

She said: "It's something I have taken to very quickly but before I joined a club my dad, who was a boxer, had already taught me a lot.

"Martial arts is something I really enjoy doing and I couldn't believe I won the gold medal.

"I like the way you get to use chokes and arm locks. It's rough but it's fun."

Emily competed in the under 18s female category and did not compete in kickboxing, as at her age she is only allowed to compete in the no-contact form of toe sparring.

Emily, who also enjoys learning karate at the gym, said there are 14 World Champions at Black Kinights and the club is considering entering further competitions early next year.

More than 600 competitors took part in the event, which was held in Castlebar in Ireland.