16-year-old Jack Dixon, a black-belt at Cumbria Taekwondo, took part at the Manchester International Spring Taekwondo Open on April 16.

Competing against athletes from Great Britain, Ireland, Japan, Jordan, India, Iran and more, the boy from Kendal won all of his fights in his -55kg junior division.

His coach Master Phil James said that due to his 'outstanding' performance the organisers were asked if he could fight in the senior's category.

Master Phil James said: "On his first fight he won his opponent 24 point to 4. On his second fight he won his opponent 27 points to 7 - it was at that point that myself and Jack's parents ask the organisers if we could up his game and get him an international fight which he has never had before. 

"To have an international fight he had to go into the senior male category and he had to fight minus 58kg.

"We agreed on with his parents and the organisers that if it was too much I would throw the towel in."

The young man had to fight against the Iran national team member's senior male to draw 17 to 17 points, however the golden point went to Iran, ending in 18 to 17 points.

Jack Dixon was awarded Fighter of the Tournament by the organising comittee and the senior officials.

Mr James said: "I strongly believe as his coach and mentor he went there as a youth and came home a man