VALE Karate students were once again among the honours when Cowbridge hosted the seventh of this season's Welsh Karate League tournaments.

The event comprises nine events and more than 300 competitors from 24 of Wales' top karate clubs visited the Vale where, for the first time this season, there was an inspiring kata category for wheelchair users running alongside the regular able bodied special needs kata categories. All agreed that it was hugely encouraging to see all three special needs categories very well subscribed.

Vale Karate's WUKF European U10 girls' kata champion Chiara Baker was once again in sparkling form and took both the advanced kata and kumite titles in her age group.

As well as winning the biggest title of her blossoming career - the European title - Chiara recently completed a winning U10 kata and kumite double at the Central England open and took the kata title at the Western Karate Union Invitational.

With seven of the league events now complete, Vale Karate, who had 75 category entries at Cowbridge, lead the team table ahead of Ken Bu Kan and Wattstown in second and third respectively.

Heading the the individual leaderboard is Emma Squire (Vale), with Shauna Hayden (Ken Bu Kan) and Chiara in second and third respectively.

The eighth WKL event takes place in early February in Neath.