THREE Forest Taekwondo groups impressed at the world championships in Birmingham at the weekend.

Among those who took part were Lydney, Blakeney and Cinderford Schools of Taekwondo.

Ten-year-old Alex Bailey, from Joy’s Green, came away as world bronze medallist while the rest of his Cinderford team, James Gilding, Stanley Bailey and Clementina Bailey all reached the second round in their sparring categories.

Instructor Ken Penman said: “This is the first time Cinderford School of Taekwondo has been represented at the world championships. We’re extremely proud of ‘Team Cinderford’ and very excited that we have a world medallist in the club.”

New kit bags from sponsors Amanda Dear and Adam Brooks, of Sales Academy 2012, certainly brought Lydney Taekwondo some luck as Glyn Haslam won silver for sparring.

Instructor and first dan black belt, Sarah Carne said: "We are very grateful for the support of Amanda and Adam for the amazing new kit bags. We were incredibly proud to represent Lydney Taekwondo and the Forest of Dean on the world stage.

"We are so proud of our competitors, our club and their achievements and long may it continue."

The championships featured 3,800 competitors aged from as young as six up to 46.

Four members of Blakeney Taekwondo all received medals.

The hard work 10-year-old Isobelle Jones and 12-year-old Kieran Maass put into training paid off as Isobelle won silver and Kieran scooped bronze in the sparring category.

Instructor Paula Webb and her daughter, 17-year-old Zoe Webb, were unlucky in their individual events but went on to take the silver medal in the women’s black belt team patterns event.

Paula, 3rd dan black belt, said: "As a mum as well as an instructor it was a very special moment to stand on the podium next to my daughter.

“It really was a wonderful weekend for Blakeney Taekwondo and I am so proud of the hard work and training Isobelle, Kieran and Zoe put in.”

The next World Championships in Great Britain are in 2019.