report by MATT MAHER

Halesowen martial arts fanatic Daniel Banks has certainly proved he is a quick learner.

The talented 18-year-old recently won the Midlands Tae Kwon Do patterns competition, where competitors are graded on sequences of punches, kicks and blocks.

Daniel has also started training with the full British squad, and concedes it is not bad going for someone who only took up the sport 18 months ago.

Daniel said: "I am incredibly excited by the prospect of training with the British squad.

"It will mean I get to train with them every two weeks over in Loughborough.

"I can only learn from their experience."

Daniel, who is currently studying for his A-Levels at King Edward's College in Stourbridge, took up Tae Kwon Do following encouragement from his mother.

He hopes to have earned his black belt by summer 2008 and says he would one day like to become a permanent member of the British team.

Olympics He said: "I still have a lot of work to do and a lot of things to learn but it is an ambition of mine to compete in the Olympics.

"I will have to see how things go."

Daniel's progress has been helped by coach Chris Lee, who says the next aim for the youngster will be success in the World Championships this summer.

Chris said: "If he knuckles down and keeps on training hard, Daniel can go all the way."