Charlotte Rowley has fought her way to a bronze medal at the World Kick Boxing Championships.

The nine-year-old pocket dynamo earned the medal in the 30kg semi-continuous event at Massa di Carrara in Italy.

Charlotte, 4st 7lb and 4ft 5in, had to battle through 12 fights to earn her third place.

The preliminary rounds consisted of one round per contest. Charlotte stepped up to two in the semi-finals where she was pipped by an American opponent who went on to win the gold medal.

Charlotte also finished fifth in continuous competition.

She said: "I had a lot of fun. I loved it. It feels great to be third best in the world at what I do.

"I had my family there to support me. It was exciting.

"I had to get all my fights in within two days and it did get a bit tiring but I didn't get hurt."

Charlotte wore a head guard, gum shield, gloves, shin pads and foot pads.

Her father Ian, mum Laura and brother Bill, 11, roared her on.

Dad said: "Seeing one of your own do so well makes you feel so proud.

"She might be small but she has become a little star in kick boxing. We knew she wouldn't get hurt because she is so well protected."

However, a dark cloud hangs over Charlotte. It looks as though she will miss next year's championships in Canada.

Dad said: "We just won't be able to afford it.

"The trip to Italy costs us just over £3,000. That's a lot of money for us. If we go Canada we just won't be able to find the money.

"So unless we can attract some sponsorship, Charlotte will miss out.

"She loves competing so it would be so disappointing for her."

Charlotte added: "I would be sad if I couldn't go next year."

The British Martial Arts Association (Worthing) member was third in the British Championships earlier this year.

Charlotte, a St Wilfred's School pupil from Rustington, has made a big impression on the world stage. But without any backing it seems she might be a rising star who fades.