RICHARD and George Nye, the father and son martial artists from North Tawton have  returned from the  WKC World Kickboxing Champion-ships in Canada with a bronze medal for Richard and a great deal of experience for George.

George who fought in both points and continuous under 55kg cadets boys aged 13-15 years was unlucky to get a tough draw in both against the Irish, who were champions in both sections.

His opponent knocked George out in the first rounds but the West Devon youngster showed great courage, putting in 100 per cent effort, but was beaten on the day by better fighters.

Dad Richard fought in the veterans 42 years old plus, under 85kg section in continuous fighting winning his way to the semi finals.

He missed out on a place in the finals by a split decision against the former and now world champion from the USA who had 30 years of experience on him.

Richard said: 'He commented after that I had given him the toughest fight of the tournment. He went on to win two silver medals in the younger and older section and said for someone with only 17 months of training in kickboxing the bronze was a huge achivement and was looking foward to fighting me again in Italy next October at the fifth WKC World Championships.'

Richard thanked sponsors Carl Throgmorton from Westward Investment Managment Services UK Ltd and to the Mercure Hotel Group.