HEREFORD karate star Chris Rowan helped England lift the UWK World Championship trophy in Slovenia.

Rowan, who trains at Beardsley's Martial Arts, was part of a three-man team that beat Poland, Brazil, Romania and the Czech Republic to set up a final against Italy.

"I started karate in Aldershot before I moved to Hereford when I was 10," said Rowan, who is 24.

"There were four selected events in the UK and you get seeded throughout the season.

"The tournament attracted 1,200 entries from over 42 countries and was a great success.

"It's still sinking in now."

Rowan is a member of the Parachute Regiment and has been given leave to pursue his sport is fully supported by The Army in his endeavour.

Tom Beardsley, who has been training Rowan for 15 years said: "Chris is one in a million.

"For a student to get selected for their country is a great honour but then to achieve a gold medal is out of this world."

Next on Rowan's horizon is the British and European titles, which Rowan says he will work hard to achieve.