JUDO enthusiasts have kicked off the competition season with a wealth of success.

A group of 10 youngsters from Scorpion Judo Club, based at the Augusta Park Community Centre, took on counterparts from across the south of England in the regional round for the British Schools Championships.

Gold and silver medallists will now go on to compete at the national championships which are to be held later in the year.

In a statement, club coaches Tim Byrne and Hayley Wise said: “There were some very hard fights, we are very proud of everyone and to come home with seven medals was a fantastic achievement.”

For some of the judoka, the contest was their first entry into such a competition.

The club is encouraging more people to come along and join in with judo, with the first session attended free to both children and adults.

Training takes place at the East Anton Farm Road centre on three days a week.

For more information and to get in touch with the judo club, search for ‘Scorpion Judo Club’ on Facebook.