Youngster Charlotte Stenning is on top of the world after claiming two gold medals at the recent SSKA Karate World Championships, in Turin, Italy.

The 10-year-old brown belt from Nayland, who attends Littlegarth School, achieved the feat in the individual kata and kumite to add to the solitary gold she picked up at the same competition, in South Africa, two years ago.

Competing in the 9-10-year-old age group Charlotte – who also plays netball, hockey and cricket – defeated opponents from Great Britain, Russia, Israel and Poland.

“It was really good fun and my favourite part was standing on the podium and receiving my medals,” said Charlotte, who trains at Colchester Karate Academy.

“I was a little bit nervous but I already had experience of winning a gold medal before so it was not that bad.”

The youngster now plans to take another big step in her development by earning her black belt by the age of 11.

She said: “That is my goal, to reach it by the age of 11, and it would be quite an achievement as there is a lot of work to be done.

“But I really enjoy karate and, as well as winning medals, it is nice to be able to travel to lots of different championships in different places.”

Proud mum Jo added: “We are really proud of her and she seems to have a natural understanding for the sport.

“She really puts everything in to it and does not give up.”