SHE'S the new karate kid at just 12 years-old!

That's Witton Middle School pupil April Rawlings, who achieved her first Dan after almost four years hard work last month.

But her success doesn't stop there.

The Droitwich Ohku Kai Karate Club youngster was voted student of the year for overall achievement in January for her hard work in 2000.

And she has already begun rigorous training towards her second Dan, which will take two years to achieve.

April puts in six hours of training a week with sensai David Honey, who has been at the club since it launched in the mid-Eighties.

April's mum Karen said: "April has worked hard for this and we are really proud of her. She gives up a lot of time to practice but she really enjoys it and helps the younger children at the club as well.

"It's a really good club and she's made a lot of friends there."