Kick boxing for their country

They range in age from seven to 18 and train at Storm Gym in Luton.

Owner and chief instructor Amir Subasic, 43, said he was proud that so many had qualified and added: “They have immense potential.”

The former Bosnian army major admitted: “I’m very strict. There’s no messing around.

“We do sit ups, press ups, runnning, skipping, bag work and shadow boxing. We train very hard for two hours but it gets rid of excess energy, it seems to work and it’s fun.”

Proud mum Kellie Wilton, whose seven-year-old son – Someries Junior pupil Josh – has been selected, said: “It’s a very big deal for the kids – and for Luton, which is always getting such a bad press.”

Her views were echoed by Freddie Edwards of Houghton Regis, whose son Anthony, 17, is in the team, as well as her daughter Chloe, 15 – the only girl going to Spain.

> Watch Jane Russell’s video at www.lutontoday.co.uk