SIX West Fife martial artists Czech-ed out the Continent's best recently as they represented Scotland in a prestigious European competition.

Lucy Hull, Holly Williams, Srishti Panthri, Calum Bruce, Ruby Wallace and Conor Beggs were part of an eight-strong JKA (Japan Karate Association) Scotland squad that travelled to the Czech Republic for the JKA Junior European Championships.

The event, which was held in the historic town of Kadan from May 23-27, is in its 14th year and has grown into one of the main events on the JKA Europe calendar.

The Scotland squad – which also included Kyle Bruce, 15, and Ellie Stewart, 14 – was accompanied by team manager Bert Stewart, who leads the JKA Dalgety Bay Dojo, and coach Gordon Williamson, who runs the Carnegie Dojo in Dunfermline.

Dalgety Bay pair Lucy, 16, and Calum, 11, and Carnegie quartet Holly, 14, Srishti, 13, Ruby, 10, and Conor, nine, began their bids for glory on their third day in Kadan as the tournament took place over two days in five areas of the stadium.

The opening day of competition saw the elimination and final rounds for those aged nine to 14, as well as the elimination rounds for the 15-17-year-olds for individual events, took place before team events were held on day two.

Although no medals were forthcoming for the Scottish squad, despite some of them reaching the final rounds, Stewart commented: "Every year we see an incredibly high level of competition at this international event.

"Each member of the junior Scotland squad gave their all and competed to the best of their ability.

"It was the first time at this level for quite a few of them. It was a very high standard and I'm sure they have gained great experience.

"We couldn't ask for any more from them.

"The very high level of competition at the event, which was well organized by JKA Czech Republic, demonstrated the overall high standard of karate within JKA Europe."