Seven members of the York Railway Institute Judo Club recently took part in an Area Judo Championships held at Goole.

This special Millennium event attracted almost 150 of the best junior competitors from around the North East of England.

Lynsey Ellwood, above left, took the gold medal in the u48kg girls category and her training partner, Fern Edwards, above right, took bronze in the same category.

Team-mates, Richard Rogers (u38 boys) and Suzanna Ellwood (u32 girls), came close to winning bronze medals.

Rogers won three fights and lost two, eventually losing the bronze medal to a more experienced player, while Ellwood won one fight but lost another.

Qualifying for a bronze medal fight, she eventually lost in the final seconds of her contest.

Other York fighters were Kate Vollans and Katie Thompson.

The York RI Judo Club train at the Railway Institute gymnasium in Queen Street.

With five British Judo Association coaches, beginners and experienced players are always very welcome.

Anyone interested in taking-up this Olympic sport should come along to the Queen Street gymnasium on Monday and Friday evenings, 6.30pm (juniors) or 8.15pm (seniors).