SOUTH Brent Judo Club are celebrating a great start to 2017 after having six judoka members selected for England programmes.

Josh Shipp, Adam Vosper, Lewis Widdicombe and Cerys Callard are in the cadets squad, while Pierre Michelin and Cordelia Gregory are named on the pre-cadets programme.

Their selection has delighted club coaches Pete Whitfield, Steve Squire and Gary Gregory and follows some impressive performances in 2016.

Ivybridge Community College pupil Vosper, Plymstock School’s Gregory and Shipp all won gold medals at the British National Championships in December as well as topping the Ippon League throughout the year.

Widdicombe and Mechelin, both pupils at Ivybridge, won bronze at the nationals as well as topping their ranking lists, while Callard also claimed a high ranking in the Ippon League.

A club spokesman said: “With numerous selection events throughout the year it is very much hoped that other South Brent Judoka will also earn the coveted (England) rose.”