A GIRL from High Bentham is taking the judo world by storm.

Esmeè Holgate, 13, who attends QES school in Kirkby Lonsdale, is in her second year of competing and training with England's judo team.

Esmeè, who is a member of Craven Judo Academy which runs sessions in Bentham, Ingleton and Settle, has progressed very quickly in the sport since she took it up at the age of eight.

"She really committed to judo and trains five nights a week with her coach Danny Harper," said her mother, Cherry Holgate. "It's her dream to go to the Olympics, and if she doesn't get there it's not through lack of trying."

Esmeè, who competes for England U-13s in the under 48kg weight class, is ranked fourth in the country in her age and weight category.

Since Christmas, Esmeè medalled in the England Open, won a bronze at the Izegem Judo Open in Belgium and won gold as a British Schools Champion.

"She started at age eight and within eight weeks her coach had her compete at tournament in Ireland, where she won a silver medal.

The teenager also recently competed in another competition where she won gold, beating under-16 girls, who were both older and bigger than Esmeè.

Esmeè compliments her passion for judo by weight training with Tomi Tatham at TNT Fitness in Ingleton.

Mrs Holgate said Esmeè also loves sports such as netball and football, the latter of which she has played since she was four-year-old.

She plays for Craven Wanderers Under-13s and captains the team, and her mum said Esmeè is the only girl in the league.

Esmeè travels extensively and has upcoming England competitions in Sweden in May and Germany in June.

Anyone interested in sponsoring Esmeè can ring her mother Cherry Holgate on 07759 019232.