A 16-year-old from Grays has climbed 14 mountains, become an international karate champion and earned a string of A*s in her GCSEs this year.

Danielle Ball, 16, has been keeping active this year, completing the Duke of Edinburgh award, the Three Peaks Challenge and also triumphed in her category at the International Karatedo Gojukai Association (IKGA) - and she didn't let her GCSEs fall to the wayside.

A keen climber, climbing the three tallest mountains in each country in Great Britain - Ben Nevis, Snowdon and Scafell Pike - Danielle did not stop there and climbed 14 in total since the beginning of the year.

On top of this, she also been proving her martial arts skill by taking part in karate competitions. Most recently she competed at the IKGA in Vancouver, this month, and won in her category.

But Danielle still made sure that she studied hard for her GCSEs and she cames out with eight A*s, one A and two 9s (the modern equivalent of an A*/A in Maths and English).

She has also fundraised money during some of her endeavours, raising a total of £500 so far.

Danielle said: "I don't like just sitting at home, this is something I have always done.

"I feel like exercising makes me feel happier; I would encourage others to do it more often."

Her father, Simon, has followed all her achievements and is proud of his little girl.

He said: "I am incredibly proud. I even cried when she won the karate competition in Canada and I don't really cry."

Danielle is now studying A level Maths, History and Law at Westcliff School for Boys sixth form and is looking forward to starting university in two years time.