TWO Links Karate Kai students have been selected to represent England at the Junior European Championships, in Portugal.

Emily Appleby and Mitchell Thorpe have been chosen to represent their country as part of the cadet and junior team, at the prestigious event in Portugal.

Appleby will compete in the female junior +59kg category and Thorpe in the cadet -57kg.

Both have had to go through a selection process over the last three months and produced exceptional performances.

Appleby and Thorpe will train with England chief coach Willie Thomas before the championships, which start in February.

Links chief instructor Paul Harris: “We’d like to wish both the very best of luck in Portugal.

“We know they’ll do their best and I’m very proud of both these students for their commitment to the club, their training and, of course, their selection for these championships.”