TORQUAY Judokwai gave two of their most promising athletes the chance to compete on the national stage at the U11 British Judo Championships in London.

Ten-year-olds Lucy Pannell (-28kg) from Marldon Primary School and Jacob Ward (-27kg) from Cockington Primary School have both fought very successfully at county and regional level.

And although both missed out on a final medal placing in London, they fought with a professional attitude and never gave up any contest until the bitter end.

Lucy (left) even took eventual gold medallist Courtney Shoulder to a golden score point after a drawn contest.

This meant the next score won in an extra one minute of fight-time – unfortunately for the Torquay judoka, it was Shoulder who took it.

The result left Lucy with a fine joint fifth place in her weight class.

Jacob (right) fights in the lightest weight class in judo, and gave as good as he got, but lost out on a final medal place after a final defeat to Jack Purllant from Birmingham.

Jacob also claimed a very respectful fifth place in his group.

Coach Simon Ward said: "I'm very proud of the two kids – they were totally committed to fighting and gave it their best.

"We have come away from the event with a lot of positives about the day and their efforts on the mat. I'm sure next year both players will go one step better and collect a medal each."

To find out more about the club and their free trials, call Simon on 01803 315007 or visit the dojo on Barton Hill Way in Torquay on a Monday or Friday from 6pm.