Former European karate champion Nato Ficarra has selected three students places on a brand new six-month scholarship scheme.

Nato, 46, has been focussing on developing future champions since retiring from competitive karate in 2012 and he teaches classes in Ely and Sutton as well as in Cambridge.

Earlier this year, Nato announced he was on the look out for students to take part in a new scholarship.

And, after months of consideration, Nato announced his three candidates at the weekend.

They are Amaan Chowdry, from Ely St Mary’s Primary School, and Jess Staines and James Marsh, from Ely St John’s Primary School.

The scheme will entitle the students access to any of Nato’s schools in the area, a place in his academy at the Paradise Centre and six months of private lessons.

Nato said: “I had hundreds of youngsters going for a place on the scholarship and it was so difficult to chose. I obviously couldn’t pick all of them so these guys really are the cream of the crop – I believe they are going to do big things.”