A GROUP of judo enthusiasts from North Tawton are celebrating a highly successful grading examination — despite the fact their weekly training sessions were curtailed due to the foot and mouth crisis.

Taw Vale Judo Club usually meets every Wednesday evening at North Tawton Rugby Club, but their sessions were severely disrupted during the height of the crisis. Now training is back to normal and 15 of their novice members have been awarded mons grades.

The grading was carried out by the chairman of the Western Area of the British Judo Association, Dave Allen.

Himself a 3rd dan, he examined the club members on their knowledge and technical ability in judo techniques including throws, holds and breakfalls.

Club organiser Ann Lucas said: 'To come from complete novice to a second or third mon grade is extremely good. They have done extremely well and the chairman was delighted.

'They excelled themselves and they were so pleased, even though some were absolutely terrified to start with.'

The club was started less than a year ago and is going from strength to strength, said Ann.

'We are getting on average about 25 coming each week, that's even with numbers down because of foot and mouth. Quite often we can be up to 30 or 36 in an evening,' she said.

'I think the judo helps the youngsters in all sorts of ways. Some parents have said their children have changed, they've got more self-confidence and pride in themselves.'

She said restrictions imposed by the foot and mouth crisis had been very disappointing for the youngsters, who had been bombarding them with requests to start meeting again.

Even some injured members unable to join in will often come to watch on training nights, said Ann.

'We really are thriving,' she said.

The overall results were: Jack Clutterbuck 3 mon; Chloe Cooper 2 mon; Samantha Dennis 3 mon; Daryl Grant 3 mon; Johnny Grayling 3 mon; Ben Holloway 3 mon; Matthew James 2 mon; Ryan james 2 mon; Karen Jones 3 mon; Kelly Penna 3 mon; Ellie Plumpton 2 mon; Tristan Rogers 3 mon; Lawrence Waldron 3 mon; Jennifer Way 3 mon and Matthew Way 3 mon.

In addition, seven-year-old Deanna Mansfield was awarded a grade 2 kano.

Since the grading exam, Adrian Plumpton has gone on to qualify for a 9 mon grade in competition, with brother Richard gaining his 7 mon.

Anyone interested in joining Taw Vale Judo Club should contact 01837 82171 for further information.