OKEHAMPTON Judo Club's Henry Harbron has fought his way to become the new English Junior champion in the under 16 years, in the U65kg weight category.

Travelling to Kettering, Northamptonshire for the British Judo Council Open National Championships, the 14-year-old Okehampton College student faced competitors from all over the country, against opponents older than himself.

Speaking about being national champion Henry said: 'I had never competed at this level before so did not know what to expect but I've been really well coached and just went for it. The last couple of bouts were really tough but I was determined to win and so pleased to come out on top. Now I'm looking to develop my skills and experience further to build on this victory.'

Henry had four fights, the first of which he dispatched within seven seconds by ippon, followed with another big ippon (10 point) win in the next.

In the semi finals Henry came up against a tough opponent, eventually winning through a yuko (five point) score.

The final was another long fought battle, again going the length of the four minute fight. However, it was Henry who emerged as the winner having thrown his opponent for a waza-ari (seven point) score.

His training with sensei Roger and Barbara Downs at Tamar Judo Centre Saltash as well as his home club of Okehampton Judo Club is certainly paying dividends as he has become the third member training at the two clubs to achieve a national title within five years.

He was presented with his medal by Dave Nichols, the former British judo number one and student of the late Akinori Hosaka (eighth dan).

Henry is a keen allround sportsman. As well as judo, he has represented Devon at tennis and West Devon at cricket. He also plays rugby at Okehampton Rugby Club and regularly represents Okehampton College at a number of sports.

He took up judo when he was ten at the Okehampton Judo Club after his family moved to Devon from London.

Darren Bostock of Okehampton Judo added: 'We are delighted that Henry has achieved this recognition on the national platform. It is a superb achievement and we are all very proud of him. His training with Roger and Barbara Downs at Tamar Judo Centre Saltash and with us in his home club of Okehampton is certainly paying dividends as he has become the third member training at the two clubs to win a national title within five years!'