A YOUNG martial artist who hopes to follow in the footsteps of her Olympic hero has been selected for a national squad.

Rising taekwondo star, Brooklyn Burnside, has been chosen for the team GB national cadet development squad following trials in Manchester last month.

The 11-year-old, from Darlington, took up the sport five years ago and trains five days a week with Koryo Quakers Taekwondo Club based at Firthmoor Community Centre, in Darlington.

The Firthmoor Primary School pupil, who was named national champion last year, hopes to be selected for the Youth Olympics and follow in the footsteps of her idol, Olympic gold medallist Jade Jones.

Headteacher Ann Dixon said: “She is the youngest age that can be admitted into the squad and she was competing against girls up to two years older than her.

“It is a first for us as we believe she is the first pupil from the school to be chosen for a national squad.

“We’re extremely proud of her. She is a very modest and dedicated pupil who acts as a superb role model for younger pupils.

"She shows what you can achieve if you keep at something."

Brooklyn initially took up taekwondo to calm down as she was over-energetic, but has since gone on to make an impression both locally and nationally.

The youngster won two gold medals at last year’s European Championships and is working towards her third Dan black belt title.

As well as inspiring dozens of her fellow students, Brooklyn also inspired her mother, Diane to take up the sport last year.

Her siblings, Nancy, 12, Violet, eight and Michael, seven, also compete.