Jimmy Webster in Karate Championships

Jimmy’s grandfather, Jim Dobbin MP and Jimmy Webster

Rochdale born Jimmy Webster was crowned British Disabled Karate Champion and will go on to compete in the World Championships.

16-year-old Jimmy was the gold medal winner in the Junior Wheelchair event, at the Home Nations Karate Championship held recently in Scotland. His gold medal success means that he will go on to Paris to compete in the world championships in November.

460 competitors  took part in the  event, which is rapidly growing in popularity each year. Wheelchair Karate was a new category to the event this year; the first time in a high profile competition.

Jimmy uses ‘kata’, which is a non-contact series of sequences and movements. He is taught by Rob Green of St. Patrick’s Shotokan Karate Club in Cardiff.

Jimmy said: “I’m really happy. It’s a difficult sport to learn at the beginning, but it does get easier.

"I was really nervous on the day and could hardly remember anything after I competed.

"I like it because it keeps me fit.”

Jimmy’s grandfather and MP, Jim Dobbin said: “I am very proud of his determination.”