Karate ace Paul Newby is representing England this weekend -- at an international competition in Naples.

He has enjoyed a string of succes this year after turning to his sport full time.

He has also been told he will continue to qualify for financial help from theLottery's 'Elite Sportsman' programme set up to encourage Britain's top sportsmen and women to reach the top. He also receives local support from the Robin Hood pub at Silsden.

Already this year he has travelled to Portugal, Venice, Paris and Athens, and will be back in Venice for another international meeting in December.

"I've recovered quite well after injuring my hip in Paris at the last event thanks to Jeff Bottomley, and hope to do well," Paul said.

Competition at the event in Naples is part of the English team's build-up to next year's European Championship where the squad have high hopes of taking the title.

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