Students from Ilkley's Premiere Karate Club proved once again they had the golden touch with an all-time record of trophies at the 2007 SKU National Kumite Championships at Ponds Forge Sports Centre in Sheffield.

They came away with five first places, eight seconds and ten thirds.

William Coates started the avalanche of first-place awards. The 11-year-old stormed through the elimination rounds of the boys' senior grade over 40kg kumite event. He also won the same event at last year's championships.

Meanwhile, eight-year-old Joe Richardson was outstanding in the boys' junior grade under-35kg event, taking a well-deserved second place with clubmate Michael Quinn third in what was their first major tournament.

Elly Field, nine, and Bridget Taylor, eight, made it through to the finals of the girls' eight to nine years free-fighting category, taking gold and silver respectively.

Andrew Johnston also put in a good performance in the cadet boys' senior grade under-60kg category.

After beating rival clubs in the elimination rounds, Andrew was on a high. But unfortunately he lost by a narrow margin in the final.

However, Ilkley managed another win in the junior team kumite event against tough opposition.