A Sidmouth tae kwon-do student has become the second best in the country after a successful year of competition.

James Bishop won silver at the British championships in Derby last month, taking him to second in his heavyweight category.

The 21-year-old took up the sport last June, winning bronze in his first tournament the same year. In October, he won a gold, silver and bronze medal at a championships in Paignton.

The former Sidmouth College pupil studies with instructor Gerry Waugh and recently reached his blue stripe belt.

At the weekend, he achieved an ‘A pass’, the highest mark possible, and was awarded a grading award from Master Michael Dew.