Ipswich’s very own karate kid is currently on top of the world.

Charlotte Wastell, 15, of Belstead Road recently returned from the 7th WKF World Junior and Cadet Championships, in Malaysia, as world champion after seeing off the competition in the cadet kumite 14-15 years +54kg category.

The diminutive teenager who also plays hockey for Ipswich Ladies and Ipswich School - where she won a scholarship - landed the prestigious trophy dropping just two points in the process, during the tournament in Maleka.

The youngster, who celebrates her birthday later this month, saw off the challenges of Mirela Ilieva (Bulgaria, 8-0), Beecharinun Pramoolcheko (Thailand, 3-0), Eveleen Aldada (Jordan, 8-0), N Garcia (France, 3-2) and Ivona Cavar (Bosnia & Herzegovina, 3-0).

British and English champion Charlotte is also the reigning Austrian and Hungarian title-holder and an England team member but her World Championship medal is her biggest achievement to date.

“It’s quite unbelievable and I don’t think it has sunk in yet, I am not sure it will,” said Charlotte, who is the country’s first-ever under-18 female world champion.

“I went over there (Malaysia) in a confident mood but I never, ever thought I would come back as world champion. It is a massive achievement for me.”

Charlotte’s next aim to is to become European champion but by the time that tournament comes around, she will be competing in the 16-years-59kg class.

For now, however, all she has to worry about is how to handle the limelight of being so successful in her sport.

I met the Mayor of Ipswich at a presentation and I have also done a radio interview,” she said.

“I am not sure about all the attention, it is a bit overwhelming and my mum (Celia) tells me that I am too modest!