A HEREFORD fitness centre is offering county residents the chance to throw their support behind a young martial arts expert this weekend.

Dali Hopkins, 10, has been enjoying successful results in the competitive world of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – which focuses on grappling and ground fighting.

And the Our Lady's Primary School pupil now wants to add to her medal collection in the Pan-Am tournament in California next month.

Dali trains regularly at thePoint4 on Venns Lane under the guidance of fitness instructor Gareth Bennett and the centre is set to hold a fundraising boot camp on Saturday to help send Dali on her way to the USA.

Her mum, Kelly, said: "Dali has rigorously followed the programme that was tailor-made for her by Gareth and the increase in her strength and conditioning has definitely been reflected in her performances.

"She’s had a string of successes, including at the English and British Championships, but is always aiming higher.

"At the moment she’s also training with the UK elite junior team and has been selected to travel to America with the best juniors in the country."

Competing at a serious level comes at a cost with kit, petrol, and entry fees increasing as Dali climbs the competitive ladder.

And thePoint4 is keen to help Dali make it to the top.

"I really love the grappling and submissions in competitive fighting," she said.

"But afterwards we’re all good friends. It’s lovely to meet new people, and we give each other fantastic support. I want to win more medals and belts, and in the end my ambition is to be a martial arts teacher with my own club in Hereford."

A special two-hour Boot Camp is to take place at thePoint4 between 9am and 11am on Saturday to help raise funds to send Dali to the Pan-Am tournament.

It costs £6 per person and a place can be booked by calling reception on 01432 376 376.