TWO fencers are celebrating after winning gold at a top regional competition.
William Lonsdale and Charlotte Hill both showed their class with victories in the Yorkshire Youth Championships.
The pair are members of the Phoenix Fencing Academy, which is based at Cleethorpes Leisure Centre.
William, 10, a pupil at Signhills Academy, said: "I have been fencing for about two years. I enjoy it because there is always a lot of action. I train three times a week.
"It was nice to win as I have just moved up an age group.
"My aim now is to do as well as I can in the Youth League – and win it if I can.
"It involves competing at four meetings across Yorkshire."
His mother, Sarah, added: "We are really proud of him. He is very committed and enjoys what he does."
Derek Spearen, head coach at the Phoenix Fencing Academy, said: "It's great to have one champion, let alone two, and especially with two different swords – the foil and sabre.
"William won gold with the foil and Charlotte did the same with the sabre.
"Most fencing clubs in the region mainly teach just one sword, the foil, but I teach all three (foil, sabre and epee)."
Spearen has been teaching sword fencing at Cleethorpes Leisure Centre for more than 25 years.
Last year he turned professional, and now teaches fencing in five schools in the North East Lincolnshire area.
Meanwhile, there has been a new development in fencing with new swords and masks made of polycarbonate – the same material as used in car bumpers.
They have been specially designed and manufactured in Italy to teach young children to fence.
Spearen is looking for a sponsor to help finance the new equipment. It costs approximately £500 to kit out 12 children.
Get involved: Any schools interested in getting involved in fencing as part of their PE lesson or after school club, call Spearen on (01472) 506885 for more information. New members are always welcome at Phoenix Fencing Club – call Derek on the same number for more information.
