KARATE expert Vincent Fowler got a real kick out of his latest martial arts success.

The 31-year-old from St Helens Road, Bolton, vowed to dedicate his performance at a national competition on Sunday to his auntie, who died last week.

He said that lifting the winner's trophy at the Nippon Traditional Karate Open Championships was a fitting tribute to the woman who was like "a second mum".

Vincent, who works as warehouse clerk for a firm in Horwich, was going to back out of the championship in Hindley, but decided to enter at the last minute.

He stormed to success, beating four opponents to lift the trophy in the senior event for black belts and above.

He said: "It was hard work and my muscles were really aching on Monday, but it was worth it in the end.

"The trophy has given pride of place at home by my mum."

Vincent has been doing karate as a hobby for the past eight years. He trains at Bolton Excel Centre and Horwich Leisure Centre.

He said. "I am delighted and am normally very modest about my achievements, but this news has come at a really good time for everyone."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.