FAST-rising Saltcoats martial arts ace Aria Pascual is celebrating double success in one of Scotland’s top competitions.

On Sunday she won the Under-21 Kata title and the Senior Female event at the Scottish International Karate open held at Emirates Arena in Glasgow

The Scottish International Open is one of the biggest Scottish Karate competitions in the Scottish Calendar. Aria’s rivals included other Scottish National Team members and competitors from England and Denmark.

As previously revealed, she has been selected to represent Scotland in the Under-21 World Championships in Chile in October.

She will be going for more glory when she lines up in the British Karate Federation Championships in Leicester on Saturday and Sunday

Mum Joanne said: “I am extremely proud of Aria.

“She is a dedicated student and athlete who trains and studies extremely hard.”

However the teenager is hoping to secure more funding to boost her hopes of more success.

Joanne added: “She has support from North Ayrshire Council but competing is extremely expensive and it involves us making many sacrifices to enable Aria to compete at such a high level. It would be great if some local businesses would get behind Aria and help sponsor her karate career.”

Anyone who would can help should contact Aria at ariapascual2012@gmail.com