JOSHUA Veitch has the martial arts world at his feet after being chosen to represent Great Britain in two different disciplines.

But the battling 11-year-old, from Calne, may have to focus on just one of his talents in future because of a major lack of funding.

Joshua, who last month achieved his first degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, is one of six children and step-children living under the same roof in Primrose Close.

His parents have been forced to trade in their eight-seater Toyota for a smaller car which consumes less petrol, so they can afford to transport him to tournaments up around the UK.

The John Bentley School pupil has been selected to travel to the Algarve in November with the Junior Great Britain mixed martial arts squad, but step-dad Terry Cooke says the trip is out of the question.

Cooke said: "I don't like to say no, but there's just no way we can afford to get over to Portugal. That's just pie in the sky for us.

"The GB team will subsidise travel costs for the squad, but because Josh is only 11 he has to travel with a guardian.

"It's expensive enough to take him to competitions in this country, without thinking about a trip abroad."

Joshua trains three times a week under instructor Don Deedigan (sixth dan) at classes in Chippenham, Devizes and Trowbridge.

He also practices every night at home on a punch bag and speed ball on a patio in the garden.

Joshua is the current Professional Unification of Martial Arts (PUMA) British Tae Kwon Do under 13s sparring champion.

He also holds the PUMA northern and southern titles in both sparring and patterns, in which students produce a series of offensive and defensive movements against an imaginary opponent.

His incredible medal haul earned Joshua a call-up to the Great Britain Tae Kwon Do squad for an international event in Cork last November where he came second.

But despite his continuing success, spiralling costs could prevent Joshua from reaching his full potential.

Step-dad Cooke explained: "It's not just the travel expenses, but also the entrance fees and spectators' fees for every event we go too.

"Josh will soon need a new helmet, gloves, feet pads and Do Bok (suit), so we're looking at £100 worth of equipment this year alone.

"The other kids don't exactly go without, but they understand that we can't afford to throw any big birthday bashes for them.

"My eldest daughter Samantha is a real star. She even offered to go to her high school prom in a borrowed dress to help us save some money."

Cooke, 42, works as an aircraft finisher based at RAF Lyneham. His wife, Karen, 36, has a part-time job at the NSPCC centre in Calne.

Last year, Joshua received a grant of £500 from the Lions of Club of Calne, and £100 from CMA Buildbase, but Cooke says the family are scraping the barrel once again.

He said: "We are extremely grateful to both the Lions and CMA for their help, but what Josh really needs is a full-time sponsor.

"I'm a proud person but I've called every major company I can think of in Calne without any luck. Even if we just get enough to cover the cost of equipment that would be a massive help.

"Josh's instructor, Mr Don Deedigan is a fantastic teacher, but he can't be seen to favour one of his pupils over the others."

Joshua, who currently leads the World Association of Kickboxing Organisation (WAKO) mixed martial arts under 5ft league, is determined to continue with both disciplines.

He said: "I like both Tae Kwon Do and mixed martial arts. My mum and step dad always encourage me. I want to carry on doing both."

  • If you can help with sponsorship, contact Cooke on (01249) 818934.