When Ben Fagan first started Taekwon-Do as a child, he could hardly have imagined standing on a World Championship podium alongside his dad.

Now 20, Ben has returned from Poland with two silver medals, while his father Mike has won two of his own.

They were among four Stamford and Oakham Taekwon-Do Club members competing at the Unified International Federation World Championships in Wrocław.

The club joined a 76-strong Global Taekwon-Do United Kingdom Great Britain squad, which won the overall team trophy after achieving the highest medal tally at the tournament.

Ben and Mike, both second degree black belts, each won silver in patterns and sparring. Mike was also invited to umpire for the remainder of the competition.

Mike said: "Ben started here as a little boy, and now I’ve watched him win two world silver medals.

"To share that experience with him means everything.

"It says a lot about this club too. Children can come along, make friends, grow in confidence and see just how far they can go."

For Keith Gilbody, reaching the world championships was an achievement in itself.

He had been due to compete internationally in Rotterdam two years ago, but a collision involving a drink driver forced him off the road on his way to the airport.

This time, Keith, a first degree black belt, made it to the competition and won silver in patterns. He was also invited to umpire.

Jo Auciello last competed at a world championship nine years ago, returning from Holland as a double world champion.

Her journey back this year included fractured ribs in May and the death of her father last month, just over three weeks before the competition.

In Wrocław, the first degree black belt became world champion in veteran ladies’ power breaking and added three silver medals in patterns, sparring and special technique.

Ben and Jo had also been selected to represent GB in team events, which were postponed to a later date.

The GB squad was led by national head coach and senior master Richard Auciello, an eighth degree black belt and chief instructor at the Stamford and Oakham club.

The overall trophy was a credit to the work of Richard and his coaching team, including John Bowman Yard from Thrapston and Emma Price from Sutton Coldfield, both fifth degree black belts.

A two-time world champion himself, Richard has coached multiple students to world titles.

He said he was 'humbled and proud' of the club’s competitors and the dedication they had shown in training.

That same encouragement is there for every student, whether they dream of competing or simply want to try something new.

Taekwon-Do is a Korean martial art combining kicks, punches, patterns and self-defence.

Along the way, students develop fitness, flexibility, focus and confidence, at their own pace and as part of a supportive club.

The Stamford and Oakham club has welcomed local families since 1998.

Students can start from the age of seven, and parents are welcome to train alongside their children.

Classes are held at Casterton College Rutland on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6.30-7.30pm, and at the Active Rutland Hub, Ashwell Road, Oakham on Saturdays, with a beginners’ class from 10-11am and an intermediate class from 11am to noon.

The first lesson is free. To book, email enquiries@tkdclasses.co.uk or call 07771 865373.