We're world beaters!

MEMBERS of Siam Camp Martial Arts who won medals in the Muay Boran Championships Front, from left, gold medal winners Melissa Sweeney (11), brother Michael (12) and Katie Bowers (12) with other medal winners behind. Back row centre is Grand Master Kevin Lloyd

YOUNG Thai boxers struck gold and silver at a world championship martial arts contest.

Children and teenagers from Oldham's Siam Camp Thai boxing gym travelled to Thailand with others from England for the Muay Boran International World Championship Games.

They competed against teams from over 40 countries and won a cluster of gold and silver medals at the games.

The gym is based at Belgrave Mill on Fitton Hill Road, and run by Kevin Lloyd with members from across the area.

Mum Donna Sweeney has two children who attend the club, Melissa and Michael, aged 11 and 12. They were among the gold medal winners and are pupils at Lyndhurst Primary and Failsworth High School respectively.

Mrs Sweeney said: "I am really proud of all the kids.

"They go to the gym three, four or even five times a week and show complete dedication. They have been practising hard over the past couple of years and this is a fantastic achievement.

"The gym instructor, Kevin, has been great with them, as have all the local schools who let the children travel to Thailand for the event."

She added: "We often see doom-and-gloom stories in the news or hear about young people causing trouble. But there are loads of good kids here who do constructive things with their time, such as these children at the gym. These are wonderful kids and it's important to highlight the good things they achieve. It breaks my heart to see how other kids get into trouble when they could be doing other things that are much-more productive."

Kevin Lloyd (61) said the club has been established since 1984 and been in the Hathershaw and Fitton Hill area for 24 years.

He said Thai boxing in the UK began in Oldham then gained popularity across the country.

He was first introduced into martial arts in the early 1970s, after seeing two men performing routines at an Oldham Carnival Parade.

The men were from Thailand but were studying engineering and English at Oldham College.

Known as Master Woody and Master Toddy, the pair held martial arts sessions in the town and Kevin was later taught by master Woody. Mr Lloyd is one of only two grand masters in the Muay Boran code of the sport outside Thailand.

Speaking about the Siam Camp's recent success, Kevin said: "The majority of medals won at the games in Thailand was for members of this club, which was nice. Last year, the club won four gold medals and we have won three this year with a different group of youngsters.

"I'm really pleased with their performance and commitment, and we hope to replicate these successes next year."

He added: "The club does a lot of community activity in Oldham and has members from across the borough.

"We've also had great support from families and schools, who allowed the kids to travel to Thailand. So I'm very grateful for everyone's support in helping the children to achieve their dreams. We obviously recognise that education is important and the children took homework away with them to Thailand, to ensure they kept up with their school lessons."