KICKBOXING stars of the future, trained in Stacksteads, are among a team of six locals who have won places in the World Championships.

Now the five children and one adult face a new challenge -- to raise £715 each in order to make the trip to Italy in August.

A sponsored swimathon is being organised involving the club's members. And The Flowers, in Todmorden Road, Bacup, has agreed to hold a fun-day on May 5. Some of the parents of children from Weir are also arranging their own fundraisers.

Alfred Love, chief instructor of Stacksteads Freestyle Martial Arts Club, whose daughter Chloe and son Garry are among the championship contenders, said: "I never expected to do this well. It's the best we have achieved since the club opened 12 years ago."

The successful team consisted of: gold winner Josh O'Connor, 11, from Balladen Primary School, Rawtenstall; silver winners Mick Waters, 25, and Chloe Love, eight, of Holy Trinity CE School, Stacksteads; bronze winners Bethany Simcock, eight, and Rory Appleyard, nine, both of Northern Primary School, Bacup, and Garry Love, 15, from Fearns High School, Stacksteads.

Mr Love, 43, of Fernhill Drive, Stacksteads, runs clubs in Stacksteads and Newhallhey in Rawtenstall.

Another of his children, son Scott, twice junior world kickboxing champion, runs a club at the Pioneer Health Studio in Bacup. Between them they have 100 club members.

Mr Love has now introduced training every weekday night with practice for grades on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at Toll Bar Business Centre, Stacksteads, and freestyle training on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

There is also a kick boxing class for women on Mondays from 8pm to 9pm.

Alfred said: "It is a growing sport and it is great to see the youngsters doing so well.

"They have grown in confidence from securing a place in the world championships.

"Their achievement is absolutely fantastic. It is all down to their commitment and dedication to training and encouragement and support from parents."

Anyone who wants to help the team make the trip to Italy can contact Mr Love with fundraising ideas or donations on 01706 873588.