British Judo Association Regional Technical Officer and former German cadet coach, 4th Dan Sandra Klinger, presented Dorchester Judo Club with the prestigious Clubmark Award.

The county town club was formed in 1952 by a Japanese man, Mr Kubo, along with a handful of other people including Bill Chin-Chen, who continued to be a key volunteer for the next 45 years.

Now the club is thriving and coaching between 20 and 30 children every week with a busy senior mat as well.

Developed by Sport England, clubmark is a set of standards for national governing bodies of sport to adopt and their affiliated clubs to meet.

The scheme recognises and accredits clubs that are committed to providing safe, effective and child friendly environments for young people.

The junior session was taken by Sandra Klinger which included warm up games.

Peter Beard, BJA Service Manager for Hampshire and the South West said: “Dorchester Judo Club has a really nice set up.

“The facility is ideal, they have passionate coaches and volunteers and importantly there was a great atmosphere.

“I would thoroughly recommend paying them a visit.

By attaining Clubmark, it shows the club are forwarding thinking and looking to support their players, coaches and volunteers.

“Credit must go to Tony Smith and the other volunteers who worked hard to achieve Clubmark, not forgetting the lady who made the tasty Clubmark cake!”

Dorchester Judo Club welcomes new members. For more information visit http://www.dorchesterjudoclub.co.uk