2009 has been a year of outstanding success for West House pupil, Mark Laing. In June, Mark competed in the World Karate Association Midlands Championships, winning bronze, silver and gold medals in Kata and Kumite disciplines.

This paved the way for Mark to be selected to represent Great Britain in the WKAWorld Championships in Heulva, Spain at the beginning of November. Competing at Under 12 level in the 50kg category, Mark was delighted to walk away with the gold medal. “This has been fantastic,” commented Mark, “I never dreamed that I would come home with gold!”