The chairman of South Gloucestershire Council Ian Boulton donned a judo suit and stepped onto the mat with members of the Patchwork Judo Club recently during the launch of the local youth centre.

Ian was thrown by Reece Peacock 1st Dan, one of two of the clubs youth players and recently scooped an award for young volunteer of the year at the British Judo Awards, along with Mollie Finn who achieved silver.

Patchway Judo Club itself picked up silver for club of the year.

“It is fantastic that we have so many who are happy to volunteer and to give back to the club.

“We have players at every grade, from novice to 3rd Dan black belt and we cater for recreational players through to those who compete internationally”.

Alison Finn, club secretary and coach added: “We pride ourselves on being a family club and in supporting our members to be ‘the best they can be’, whether as a player, coach, official, referee or club volunteer.

“Plus we are about to re-validate our BJA Clubmark award for the third time”

The club has three level 2 coaches and as many level 1 coaches and two of the youth players will be doing the level 1 course next February.

There has been a judo club at the youth centre since it opened in 1963.

The club trains every Thursday and Saturday and caters from age 5 to adult, first session is free.

Visit the club’s website at www.patchwayjudo.org for further information.