A TEAM of karate kids have returned victorious after the European Championships in the Czech Republic.

Mathew Lawrence, aged eight, Harry Adams (nine), Jay De Winton and Ricardo Viera, both aged 11, and 13-year-old Ben Saville competed.

All five are members of the Edensor Road-based Longton National Karate Association, and the competition was the club's first-ever international event.

In the individuals, Jay finished second and Mathew fifth, which means they are now ranked in those positions in Europe.

Jay, Ricardo and Ben also went on to win a team weapons event.

Mathew's mum, Kay, who also helps out at the club, said: "All five were a credit to the club and the championships highlighted how much talent they have.

"They not only did Stoke-on-Trent proud, they did the country proud, and they all came home in very high spirits."

The quintet are coached by Tony Castle, who has competed in national, international and world level karate.

Kay said: "Tony is a great coach and really helps the boys.

"Even though karate is a hard sport, all the members are dedicated and are helped by Tony to go as far as they can."

The boys were also congratulated on their flight home. Kay added: "When the pilot found out about what the boys had achieved, he was impressed and they had their photos taken with him."

The club are now looking to gain sponsorship for its members so they can compete in future events next year.

"They enjoyed the experience of going to the Czech Republic, but to compete in other events, they need the sponsorship to get noticed even more," added Kay.