KARATE kid Jesse Wyman will reach a personal milestone when she lines up for England at the Commonwealth Championships in Birmingham.

The 16-year-old from Gornal becomes the first ever student from Hickman’s Karate Academy in Sedgley to represent her country and coach Tom Hickman couldn’t be prouder.

Jesse will compete in the 16 to 17-year-old female plus 59 kilo category when she steps out for England who will be hosting the event at Birmingham University.

Tom said: “I’m over the moon for Jesse. I’ve been coaching her for the past two years but Jesse actually started in karate when she was just three-years-old."

Jesse (pictured) has just completed her studies at Ellowes Hall High School and will now be attending Dudley College this term.

She has been training with England’s National Squad based in Bilston and Tom added: “She’s been quite fortunate in that respect because there are squad members that have to travel from all over the country, while it’s on Jesse’s doorstep”.

But Jesse also finds time to coach some of the younger students at Hickman’s Academy who meet from Monday to Thursday at Bramford Primary School.

Tom said: “I couldn’t have asked for a better person. She is such a positive role model for all the young girls coming through and always finds the time to help them."