KERRIE Griffin, a 21-year-old karate expert from Knighton has been picked to represent Wales at the WKF World Karate Championships in Bremen, Germany.

Kerrie has practised karate since the age of 7 and holds the rank of third degree black belt.

She is an instructor with the Shushokan Karate Group and is also a lifeguard at East Radnor Leisure Centre.

Her selection for Wales was confirmed by winning the Welsh Championships in Cardiff, but she had previously trained monthly with the national team.

She was picked to compete in the ladies' Kata division.

Her training over the last six months has included twice weekly gym sessions with a personal trainer coupled with one on one karate training with her coach, Paul Jones 5th Dan.

Paul has coached Kerrie since she was eight years old.

“It's fantastic to see Kerrie's dedication, commitment and sacrifice being rewarded with this amazing opportunity and honour to represent Wales at full international level," he said. "She is a great role model for our students and they are all supporting her efforts in Germany.”.

“For Kerrie this could be just the beginning, she is already planning for the 2015 season and the European Championships in Istanbul,” said Kerrie’s mum Sensei Louise Vaughan. For more information about the Shushokan Karate group: www.shushokan-karate.co.uk