Dunmow TKD returned to national competitions when they sent 16 students to compete at the TAGB English Championships at the University of Worcester Arena - and they returned with three English champions.

Ruby Pegrum, 14, has been with the club since the early days and competes 3-4 times per year, often medalling but was yet to win a top prize in sparring.

She made the final again this year to face the current English champion but drew on her formidable talents to comfortably win gold and finally become girls' red belt English champion.

Lindsey Warden-Bowler (32), also won her first sparring gold in the ladies' green belt division whilst reigning English champion, nine-year-old Alyse Dixon-Bellot, retained her title for the third year running in the girls' pee wee red belt sparring.

Arnel Mesina, 53, in only his second competition, won silver in men's yellow belt patterns while 13-year-old son George took bronze in his sparring division.

Rowan Maguire, 46, and daughter Isla, 11, each won bronze in sparring with sisters Amelie, 13, and Ruby, 8, unlucky to miss out.

Ruby did get Silver in team sparring though with Isla picking up another bronze.

Alyse and sister Ariella Dixon-Bellot, 11, both got gold in team sparring, as did George Mesina.

Warden-Bowler also won a bronze.

Others that competed but did not medal were Maddie Davenport-Handley (17), Nella Mesina (53), Anish Malladi (9), Martyna Baran (11), Lucasz Baran (39), and Sasha Polykoff (11).

Instructor Matt Howard said: "I'm so pleased for Ruby. She's been to every competition possible, always puts in huge effort and to finally become English champion is a reflection on her dedication and perseverance.

"In a few weeks time she will be going for her black belt grading and I have no doubt she will be a formidable competitor for many years."

Dunmow TKD run six classes a week and can be found at www.dunmowtkd.co.uk