FOUR members of Tavistock martial arts club Brit Spirit took part in the South West Open Taekwon-do Championships in Paignton on May 10.

This was the second time Brit Spirit had entered a team into a major competition and, from four competitors, they came away with a haul of four medals.

The team consisted of Alistair Ellis from Tavistock, Simon Alford and Steve Ayres, both from Bere Alston, along with Mike Carney from Totnes.

Simon and Steve were making their debut appearances in Taekwon-do competition.

Team Brit Spirit came away with four medals: Alistair in the silver and senior sparring; Steve, silver in the adult patterns and bronze in the adult sparring while Mike won bronze in the cadet sparring.

Brit Spirit's chief instructor and tournament umpire Peter Smith said: 'As a relatively young club we are just beginning to develop our competition squad and this is an excellent start for us. Four competitors and four medals in a major regional tournament.

'Simon found himself in against a much taller and experienced opponent, but gave a good account of himself. He was a little bit unlucky with the draw he had, but these things happen. He'll be in the medals next time, I'm sure.'