Rising star

Martial Arts: WINNING titles and boasting an unblemished record of 45 fights and 45 wins, Angel Curtis is the name on the lips of many in the martial arts industry.

The 11-year-old Saddleworth School pupil started martial arts six years ago at the Rushcroft Jiu Jitsu club - where she gained a black belt.

A year ago she joined Oldham’s Knuckles Muay Thai club in search of a more demanding - and was offered her first fight after just six weeks.

Angel was soon training five days a week and travelling all over the country every weekend to fight.

Her first big break came in March, when she was offered a bout for the British 35kg belt as a last-minute replacement - and won.

In May came the chance to take the WKA English title, followed by a crack at a 2013 World Championships gold medal. She won every round - and another title.

Success continued in the Super League Knock-out Tournament and the Celtic Championships.

Angel is currently taking three months out from competition and travelling to Leicester to work with professional world champion Iman Barlow.