TWO young Stourport karate brothers are celebrating after being chosen to represent their country in a prestigious world tournament.

Gregory and Benjamin Gowland, who are members of Wyre Forest club Young Gloves, will travel to Spain in October to battle it out for England in the World Karate Union (WKU).

They were automatically selected following their success at last month’s European Championships, which were held in Germany.

Gregory, aged 11, became the European Champion in Kumite (Fighting) at 55kg while 10-year-old Benjamin came second in the 50kg division.

Both were part of a team of 12 from Young Gloves who joined the WKU England Squad for the Europeans.

Fathe, Nigel Gowland, who is a first degree black belt and Sensei at Young Gloves Karate Club, said: “I am immensely proud of my boys, they have demonstrated true grit and sportsmanship at all levels.

“They had to fight strong competition from countries such as Germany, Spain and Italy, but their training and dedication to the sport shone through and they triumphed.”

He added: “Young Gloves Karate is a great club that has generated some world class martial artists thanks to Head Sensei, Justin Thomas, who has mentored the club into winning ways.”