A Clifton karate expert has battled back from the brink of retirement to earn a place in

England's squad for the European Championships in Athens in May.

Sonny Roberts won junior World and senior Commonwealth titles as well as a bronze medal in

the senior Europeans while still a teenager.

But injury problems and a lack of motivation meant he almost gave up the sport for good.

However, with the help of Aidan Trimble at the Dojo in Beeston, Roberts is now firmly back on

the comeback trail.

The 24-year-old has shaken off his fitness problems and is determined to make a strong

impression when he challenges in the 84kg-plus category in the spring.