TWO young fencers from Droitwich Spa Fencing Club recently received their Gold Proficiency Awards from the British Academy of Fencing (BAF) after demonstrating their skills.

Finley Cockshott and Thomas Fowler have both been fencing at the club for some time, progressing through the awards scheme from bronze level, and have now achieved the highest standard possible for those learning the sport.

The award requires the student to fence with a BAF coach under test conditions and also to show a detailed knowledge of all aspects of the weapons used.

Finley and Thomas were presented with their awards by Professor Louisa Miller, who coaches at the club.

Professor Miller has gained the highest three-weapon coaching qualification available in the UK, and is the youngest female professor of fencing to qualify with the BAF.

She is also a vice-president of the academy and runs several of their coach education courses.

The club meets every Tuesday evening at Dodderhill School in Droitwich, with juniors from 7pm and seniors from 8pm. They will restart on September 1, after their summer break.

A four-week adult beginners course is planned, starting on September 15, and new fencers of all ages are always welcome to try the sport at a free taster session.

Anyone who wants more details of these sessions, to register interest in the beginners course or to find out more about the sport, contact the club via their website www.droitwichfencing.co.uk The club is open to people new to the sport and boasts a number of members with a wide range of abilities.

Anyone interested in trying their hand must also register with the BAF and bring their membership details with them.