A YOUNG athlete is hoping to help kick coronavirus into touch and support elderly members of the community with a unique sports challenge.

Bury schoolgirl and martial artist, Elysia Alderton, is karate kicking for charity to fundraise for Age UK.

Karate-mad Elysia regularly competes around the globe has won several medals in regional, national and international competitions.

Aged just 11, Elysia is already a brown belt 1st kyu and is currently training for her black belt. She is also a national Gold medal winner, and took Bronze at last year’s WUKF World Championships in Bratislava, Slovakia.

Elysia was set to compete in this year’s World Championships in Szczecin, Poland, next month.

However, due to the coronavirus outbreak, the event is not going ahead, and has been postponed until September.

Sadly, her parents feel it won't now be possible for Elysia to attend the competition and so instead the youngster has decided to put her energy to good use.

During lockdown Elysia is attempting to make 10,000 karate kicks as part of a Kicking out Coronavirus challenge.

Elysia said: "During lockdown I was disappointed to hear I was unable to complete in the World Championships.

"So, I set myself this challenge to help me focus and train whilst raising money for charity."

So far she has already reached almost 6,000 kicks which she is fitting in as part of her training in between her school work.

Her appeal has also raised almost £300 for Age UK.

Elysia's mum, Rachel Alderton, said: "I am really proud of Elyisa's karate achievements.

"She absolutely loves karate and can't wait to compete. But as this is not possible she wanted to do something to help those in need.

"I couldn't be more proud of her first effort to raise money for this great cause."

To donate to Elysia’s campaign visit justgiving.com/fundraising/Kicking-out-Coronavirus.