A YOUNG martial arts expert who trains at a Trafford gym has won a global title.

Yasmin Swift returned from Turkey with a gold medal from the Muay Thai world championships.

The 11-year-old St Helen resident gave it her best shot in defeating a Turkish champion in her own back yard.

The medal, won in the 9-11s -36 KG category, is a fitting reward for all the hard work Yasmin has put in during the build up, training six nights a week at Beastmasters gym in Altrincham.

Her proud dad, David Yates, said: “She won the final on points – and those of us watching knew it was going to go her way because in the first round Yasmin put her on the floor twice.

“She just outworked her. She threw cleaner shots and was blocking all the shots of the other girl.

“You knew straight away that she had won.

“She is classed as world champion now – recognised by IFMA. She went over there and came back with the gold medal, you can’t ask for more than that “She is so proud and took her medal into school.”

Yasmin has been a student of Thai boxing since she was six, starting off in St Helens before heading to the Altrincham gym of four-times world champion Pele Nathan.

There her performances have really taken off under the tutelage of trainer Tricia McKeary – entering numerous competitions and events.

“Her career has just sky rocketed in two years.

“She has got the Junior Super League North West Championships next on April 6.

“If she wins that one she qualifies for the UK squad again next year,” David said.