A Wantage swimming teacher has been selected to compete for England in the World Martial Arts Championships later this year. 

Holly Annetts will compete in the October 2024 event in Rhodes, Greece. 

The talented young woman has been doing karate for around nine years and is now a "1st dan black belt". 

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She said: "I got into martial arts after experiencing a different time through secondary school and it lifted my confidence massively.

"Specifically, I compete in kata, this includes traditional kata, creative kata and wooden weapons - I use a bow.

"My favourite part about karate is how it lets you be you and that you can express your own talent through the incredible sport.

"I also enjoy competing - the list could go on and on!"

Holly is current training to represent Team GB in European competitions in August in London, but is also fundraising for her appearance on the world stage in Rhodes in October. 

She has put up a fundraising page to help gather together the needed funds for her trip, and is balancing her training with work as a lifeguard and swimming teacher, and her university studies. 

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Holly explained that she qualified at a recent competition which led to her being selected for the England team.

She said: "Now in the upcoming months I will attend monthly squad sessions, of course my individual training, medical training and then of course the Worlds in October."

Like Team GB athletes in certain sports, Holly is having to self-fund her trips to compete and represent her country. 

She said: "As this competition is self funded, I am looking to raise funds towards the travel expenses, competition fees and sporting equipment.

"Any donations will be appreciated and help me make this dream a reality."

She thanked everyone in the community for their support, which has included sponsorship from the Endeavour Personal Training Studio. 

Holly's sport - kata - is the Japanese word that describes detailed movement patterns that are performed either individually or in pairs, including with wooden weapons like bows. 

The Wantage woman has already enjoyed a successful 2024 having competed in the British University and Colleges Sport National Karate Championship representing the University of Bath. 

She also came away with two bronze medals in weapons and creative kata at the KIBOU National Karate Championships, and a gold in weapons and a silver in kata at the British International Open competitions.

The European Martial Arts Games will take place on August 3 and 4 in High Wycombe. 

The World Championships in Greece, from October 20 to 26, will feature full contact kickboxing, K1 style kickboxing, point fighting, light contact, kick light, karate kumite and "forms".