Olympian Gemma Howell is one of the latest athletes to join Great North Open, taking place on Saturday 5 October at Gateshead Academy of Sport.

It will be her first competition back after the Quingdao Grand Prix as she has been recovering from a series of injuries.

Howell tweeted of her excitement of attending the competition, saying “I have been out of competition for nearly a year and I’m so excited to be back on the mat and fighting again.”

The great North Open is now in its second year of running after a hugely successful launch last year.

The event is open to cadets, seniors, masters and higher grade under 16s and ultimately is a ranking event which carries BJA 3 star point scoring. Already more than 100 athletes have entered. For an application form click here, and follow the instructions.

Further information contact liz.burdis@britishjudo.org.uk.

Judo Technologies will post results afterwards. Visit: http://www.judotechnologies.com/results/

By Donna Richardson.