HE'S only just turned seven, but pocket rocket Raven Williams (pictured) has become a Welsh national champion at tae kwon do.

Raven, who lives in Ruspidge, won a gold medal for sparring at the Welsh National Open last weekend when he was still six.

Incredibly, Raven has been pursuing the martial art for 22 months, having taken it up when he was only five.

His dad Steve took up the sport at the same time, but only to keep Raven company because it was something he really wanted to do.

Raven's instructor is Ken Penman at the Cinderford School of tae kwon do.

"It's a big boon to the club to have a national champion," said Steve.

"We're so proud of him. He walked into Soudley School last Monday to a round of applause and he doesn't want to take his medal off."