LITTLE Chloe Frampton continues to defy the odds despite suffering from chronic lung disease.

The Weymouth youngster was born premature at just 26 weeks, weighing just 2lbs 13oz, and doctors said she would never be able to partake in physical activity.

However, after spending almost the first three months of her life in hospital, the brave four-year-old is now an enthusiastic dancer, swimmer, horse rider and kickboxer.

And after just a year of lessons, she has successfully gained yellow belt status after an excellent demonstration, under exam conditions, of fitness, self defence, punching and kicking.

Instructor Giles Richards, of Matt Fiddes Martial Arts, said: “Chloe shows no sign of difficulty learning and picking up new things.

“I was shocked to hear that she was actually so premature. She is an amazing little student and her mum and herself should be so proud.

“She is a great asset to our schools and a great advert to all those parents and students out there who think they can’t do it.”

Proud mum Kate added: “When she was born premature and eventually discharged I asked what would be the worst and best-case scenario.

“They said the worst would be that she would always have to have help breathing and the best was that she would be a healthy child but not very sporty and that she would need to be excused from things such as sports day.

“I thought ‘I’m not having that’, and after a year in which we were not allowed to let her do anything, I got her into dancing, swimming and kickboxing.

“I thought I would push her and see how far she could go, and she has continued to excel herself.

“You wouldn’t think she would be able to but she keeps up with all the other kids.

“Children with breathing problems shouldn’t avoid sports, they need to strengthen their lungs and it’s worked wonders for Chloe.

“When she does get ill it goes straight to her chest and she can end up in hospital with chest infections etc. But if she can keep illness at bay she is fine.

“She had her first sports day recently at Radipole Pre-school and came first in one of her running races – she was chuffed.”

Chloe is now looking forward to starting at Radipole Primary School this September.