WALKDEN Judo Club’s juniors had a winning weekend at the Great North Open despite having to move home midway through their preparations.

The club landed two silver medals and three bronze at the Newcastle event, even after they had to change training premises after problems at their Manchester Road base.

Connor Wallace and Melanie Willoughby excelled by winning silver, while Luke Grannell, Alex Kinsella and Pietro Menga brought the bronze back to the new premises at Ellesmere Sports Club off Walkden Road. Instructor John Willoughby hailed his young stars.

He said: "To win the medals we did at the prestigious event, while also having to up sticks due to problems at our old venue, is nothing short of remarkable for all those concerned with Walkden Judo Club.

"The guys worked around the clock to complete the move without upsetting any of our classes.

"It was a tough but worthwhile week with the coaching staff and volunteers working wonders to transform a squash court at the Ellesmere Sports Club into a great Judo venue.

"The students who took part in the Great North Open did the club proud with their efforts on the mat."

To mark the move to the new premises Walkden Judo Club will be starting a Judo tots group for four to seven year olds commencing on Monday, December 1, to run every Monday and Thursday between 6pm and 7pm.

For information on the club log onto the Club website at www.walkdenjudoclub.co.uk.