TEENAGER Shelley Ludford topped off a very successful year of judo by becoming the British champion in the under 70kg cadet (14 to 16-year-olds) category.

The following week, the 16-year-old, pictured, travelled back to Sheffield to enter the juniors (17 to 20-year-olds) competition.

Ludford had only recently turned 16 and competitors are allowed to enter this older age bracket, but usually leave disheartened.

However, this was not the case for the Brighton Hill Community School pupil after winning four fights.

She went onto beat a British squad member within this age group to secure an excellent bronze medal.

During the year, Ludford has also had great success in international competitions.

She won golds in Holland, at a Scottish international and at the Ippon Trophy in Belgium.

The teenager also represented England at the Sainsbury School Games in Manchester, winning a silver medal.

Ludford would like to thank the Hampshire Talented Athlete Scheme and Basingstoke Sports Council, whose support has helped her achieve these great accomplishments this year.