Members of Leicester's CKI School of Martial Arts beat the winter freeze to bring back a warming haul of medals from the WKC English National championship.

Pride of place at Manchester went to Yusuf Saleh and Angeliki Dwyer, who both claimed three medals – including a gold apiece.

There was also a gold medal in the cadet section for rising star Mollie Walden.

Saleh appears to be improving with age and, in the veteran classes, he earned two silvers to go with his gold award. He produced a somersault kick which earned him maximum points – and a rapturous ovation – on his way to more glory.

Dwyer, at 18, admitted to feeling nervous as she prepared to compete in the adult section for the first time.

But backed by her coach, Ismail Saleh, she produced a variety of long-range kicks and accurate punches to strike gold, adding two silver medals. Walden, who is 15, added to CKI's medal haul with a winning performance in the cadets over-65kg section.

Subayr Shire knew that the going would be tough in the cadets' competition but rose to the occasion by picking up silver and bronze medals.

Amelia Pancholi, who is just eight, is a newcomer who looks to have a bright future. The youngster, who like the other female competitors at CKI is supported and coached by Khadeeja Saleh and Sabiha Sidat, secured a bronze medal after the final.

The successes of Saleh and Dwyer have earned them places at the world championships in Montreal later this year, where they will be joined by regular England squad members Imran Sidat and Ahmad Saleh, who were both unable to compete this time.

The team are looking for backers to help support their world-title bids and anybody who can help should contact Ismail Saleh on 07808 277893.