A nine-year-old boy is now among the world's best young martial arts competitors after a great performance in an international competition.

Brown belt Jaiden Stein, from Tottington, represented England and finished runners-up in his age group at the WUKF World Karate Championships in Dundee.

Almost 4,000 people attended the tournament with those coming from 68 nations across five continents.

And Jaiden, who attends Old Hall Primary School in Bury, is now officially the best in his age group for the UK and Europe, and was only narrowly beaten in the final by a Peruvian youngster.

With only three years experience at the dojo, Jaiden was said to be the only brown belt competitor vying against black belts.

Bury Times: Jaiden performed brilliantly at the competition in DundeeJaiden performed brilliantly at the competition in Dundee (Image: Public)

Bury Times: Jaiden right with fellow competitors on the podiumJaiden right with fellow competitors on the podium (Image: Public)

Bury Times: Jaiden Stein on the podium after finishing runner-up in the competitionJaiden Stein on the podium after finishing runner-up in the competition (Image: Public)

His mum Daniela said Jaiden has worked "extremely hard" and is now "looking forward for more competitions to come".

Daniela said: "Jaiden says ‘it was the best couple of days of his life’.

"His absolute passion is karate, and he spends more time at the dojo than at home."

His family, friends and coach are all beaming with pride at his success as above all else, Jaiden wanted to stand on the podium and represent England.

Jaiden’s coach Peter Allen, of the United Styles Karate Academy on Hardman Street in Bury, said Jaiden performed exceptionally well advancing over three rounds to the final knockout.

Peter adds that Jaiden is "such a nice, pleasant boy" who had put in so much extra training with the ambition of "being the world champ".

Bury Times: Jaiden Stein and his coach Peter AllenJaiden Stein and his coach Peter Allen (Image: Public)

The coach of the Peruvian competitor also congratulated his skilful technique.

The academy practices Shitō-ryū style karate and celebrated wins from its bronze placing 18-20s team and 41-year-old karate veteran Paul Yates.

Bury Times: Jaiden with his fellow club membersJaiden with his fellow club members (Image: Public)

Jaiden’s will next compete at the AMA Northern Karate Championships on September 24 at Castle Leisure Centre in Bury with MP James Daly set to appear.