THREE youngsters from the travelling community have fought off competition to win medals at an international karate championship.

Natasha Smith, aged 12, Kathleen Finney, 14, and Sam Smith, also 14, represented England at the 37th European Wado Kai contest. It was the first time that people from travelling communities had ever reached that level.

The teenagers, who live at Smite caravan park in Pershore Lane, Worcester, were only able to take part in the championship after an anonymous Worcester News reader came forward to pay for the trip.

The reader donated the £1,500 needed for the competitors to travel to Dublin after an appeal in the newspaper.

Natasha’s mum Maria Smith, aged 36, said: “We are really grateful. The person who helped us paid £1,500 and that meant they could all compete.

“It’s just brilliant, and it’s nice to have some good news about travellers in the papers because the youngsters can get a hard time. We’re just so proud.”

Natasha won a gold and bronze medal, Sam silver and bronze and Kathleen two golds, a silver and a bronze. The anonymous donation also paid for Katrina Wilson, 16, of Diglis, to compete in the championships in Dublin last month.

All four youngsters train at Hon YoSo Kai karate school at Blessed Edward Oldcorne Catholic College, Timberdine Avenue, Worcester.