FOR the third consecutive year, Veras Academy successfully competed at the Orleans Open Karate Championships in France.

The Ninth Open Jeunes D’Orleans Karate Championships, for 7-17-year-old old juniors was held on March 20-21.

Veras Academy Karate Association returned to England with two gold medals, one from Luan Veras (11) -45kg and the other from Demie Holland (11) +50kg.

Luan fought five tough matches and Holland fought three.

This is the third Orleans Open medal for Veras.

In 2014 he got a gold then in 2015 a silver but this year he was determined to bring back the title.

Holland, who trains in London and Maldon, made a very successful debut in the international field, wining her first individual gold abroad.

Sensei Raphael Veras was happy with the outcome and said: “Both athletes did amazingly well, as the French league is one of the toughest in the world. The level of every young athlete and organisation is taken seriously from the start.

“No wonder they are at the top their sport.”

Veras Academy Karate hold classes in Maldon and London and are attended by National, British, International and World medalists.