Charlotte won two gold medals and a silver in the girls 13-15 category at the world championships in Albufeira, Portugal just recently.

Charlotte was half a kilo over weight when she came and arrived in Portugal, so went straight into the sauna and then worked hard and exercised to successfully achieve her weight target.

This new champion from Fernhill Crescent has been kick boxing since the early age of four years old at nearby “Alf’s Black Belt Academy.”

Charlotte trains at least three times per week and attends Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School, where she now has to turn her attention to her GCSEs.

A weeks self catering in the four star Luna Forte Da Oura apartments in Albufeira in the Algarve (where temperatures are currently hovering around 22c) costs £199 per person based on two sharing. The price includes transfers and a 22kg baggage allowance. Departure in on 11 November from Leeds/Bradford.

A very good price for a lovely relaxing holiday.

Portugal holidays known for their forest, mountains and sea , you can either spend a holiday in central Portugal which is covered by forest and mountains , the highest range being the Serra da Estrela, peaking at 1993m or on the flatter , drier mainland Portugal coast line of 586 miles or 943 kilometers.

There are several ways to make the most of your Portugal holidays , you can choose to sunbathe and relax by the pool or on the golden sandy beach along the coast in Costa Verde, Lisbon, Algarve or on Silver coast of Portugal,enjoy golfing, cycling or water sports during Algarve holidays or spend time discovering the small picturesque towns. Portugal’s jagged coast has the most breathtaking cliffs and tranquil scenes of the Atlantic ocean.

Perhaps the most genuine way to spend a relaxing holiday would be to rent a cottage where you can be totally free and do all your own cooking (only if you want to)  , lots of people like to rent a villa or cottage these days , it is also a good way to mingle with the locals and learn the Portuguese way of life and culture.

Portuguese people enjoy a relaxed and out door life , they are also very friendly and hospitable ,Portugal is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places in Europe and ideal for people of all age groups , certainly well worth a visit.

People who are looking for a trip in the sun with all types of activities should look at a break in Albufeira.

Albufeira started off as a small fishing village then over time became a very popular tourist destination with British and other tourists from all over.The Algarve has plenty to do for adults and children such water sports, water parks and much more, the Algarve has beautiful beaches where you can sunbath and relax.

There are also glass bottom boat trips which are worth going on because you get to see whats living in the water.Albufeira has both a quiet and not so quiet side, if you want a quiet night then visit the old town where you will find restaurants, bars and bistros or if you want to go night clubbing then you should go to “The Strip” where it has all the entertainment you require , lively bars and restaurants etc… the choice is yours.

All in all Albufeira is a place well worth visiting and you are guaranteed nice surroundings, nice beaches and good hospitality.

A number of well known and celebrated artists will be on the stage as part of the Algarve ‘10 cultural programme, including British singer and multi instrumentalist Jamie Cullum.

The popular and well known performer will play at Balaia Golf Village in Albufeira on 22 August as part of a tour to showcase material from The Pursuit, his fifth studio album, which was released in November 2009.

Cullum is well known for his distinctive sound , which blends pop and also jazz elements, as well as his charismatic and enthusiastic style.

Also who will be visiting the Algarve is that well known American star Anastacia , who will appear at CS Herdade dos Salagados in Albufeira on 17th August.

The artist became famous in 2000 and enjoyed her big success in 2004, when her self-titled album reached the top of the charts in the UK, Australia,Germany and other countries.

Colbie Caillat (7 August) will also be performing in the Algarve this year, along with Nouvelle Vague ( 12 August ).

Craig Gordon won’t play any part in Sunderland’s first two friendlies, according to manager Steve Bruce.

The Scottish International keeper has spent the summer rehabilitating following hernia and arm operations.

He is now back into full training but Bruce has confirmed his number one wont see any game time until at least the game against Brighton and Albufeira, Portugal, on July 21.

Bruce told people “Craig is now back into his training.He had a hernia operation three weeks ago so he will be okay in a weeks time.

“I don’t think ill play him against Munster or Darlington and he’ll likely get his first game in Portugal.

This gives you an idea about  Albufeira and what this fantastic holiday resort   has to offer, check out  the beautiful golden sandy beach very well kept and welcoming , enjoy the video.

The coast guard’s vessel, moored in Ferragudo was called out about 8am Sunday morning, having been able to save all the occupants of the hot air balloon luckily no one was registered as injured or seriously hurt as the hot air balloon softly landed in the sea  after losing its altitude.

Both of the Passengers were Portuguese and the pilot was of Spanish nationality.

After the three people were rescued another vessel managed to salvage the hot air balloon and return it back to the coast.