A teenager from Ipswich has been selected to represent her country at a world championships in October, just months after her 14th birthday.

Lauren Berry will represent England at the World Karate Championships in Venice in Italy at the end of the year.

She found out she was part of the team just a couple of months after her 14th birthday, the minimum age one needs to be to represent their country at the Championships.

She said: "It was pretty cool when I found out.

Lauren has been competing in karate since she was five years oldLauren has been competing in karate since she was five years old (Image: Submitted)

"I wanted this since I started the sport so when my mum told me, I said 'six-year-old me is going mental right now'.

"It's going to be a great experience. A big learning curve too, and I will go and do my best.

"I love karate, it's just so much fun."

Lauren started karate when she was five after having a friend who did it and wanted to give it a go.

She joined the Northgate & Associated Karate Clubs when she was five and started competing in local competitions when she was six.

Lauren has competed at national and international tournaments previouslyLauren has competed at national and international tournaments previously (Image: Submitted)

Hayley, Lauren's mum, added: "It became quite apparent she was pretty good.

"There's a selection process for England. When she turned 12 she was scouted to train with the England squad.

"We are very proud of her.

"She's worked very hard and shows so much dedication and resilience.

"She doesn't give up, it takes a lot out of you when you don't win, but she comes back and it just shows what an amazing young lady she is."

Lauren will head to the competition to take on competitors from around the world on October 11.