Andrew Bryce-Lambert, of Chantry Croft, took home a gold medal after competing in the World Kickboxing Council's world championships in Ireland.

The youngster, who has Asperger's syndrome and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), has also recently had to cope with his mum, Heather, being diagnosed and treated for breast cancer.

He won the medal after joining the Strike Kickboxing academy in Kinsley.

His sister Shannon, 13, also took home a silver medal at the same championships.

Dad Dave said: "Andrew has been going to Strike for four years now. When he first started going he used to bounce off the walls – he couldn't sleep, he had no memory whatsoever.

"The difference in him is just great. It has given him more focus, he has learned to discipline himself.

"He couldn't read or write before and had no desire to learn but now he is a completely different boy. Kickboxing is his life. He gets such a sense of achievement just by going training."

Natalie Butterfield, 10, Nick Cotton, 14, Nicola Hutchinson, 17 and Nathan Howe, 17, were also crowned champions in their respective age and weight groups.

Liam Butterfield, 14, Sammy-Joe Waugh, 15, Bethany Billington, 15 and Ryan Cotton, 15, all took home silver medals.

Wayne Cartwright, 24, from Hemsworth, was also crowned champion in the adult competition.

Coach Ian Womersley said: "Our fighters were competing against champions from all over the world, including America, Canada. Everyone did really well. Our club is like one big family – our ethos is all about taking kids off the streets and bringing families together.

"Kickboxing teaches them about respect and humility and it increases their confidence. Andrew used to be bouncing off the ceiling but now his mum and dad say he has much more routine and focus. For an autistic kid with ADHD to win gold is fantastic, especially as he has a lot on his mind with his mum undergoing treatment."