A YOUNGSTER from Bittaford has been crowned 2016 British Schools Judo Champion.

Pierre Michelin, who is a member of South Brent Judo Club, was representing Ivybridge Community College at the British Schools National Championships in Sheffield on Saturday, April 2.

More than 750 young ’judoka’ from Years 6 to 13 took part in the two day event in Sheffield, following regional qualifying competitions around the country. Pierre himself won gold at the Western area qualifiers in January.

Pierre was competing in the Years 8 and 9 under 66 kilo category, in a group of 12. Having progressed through the first round with a bye, he won the second round fight with a ’wazari’ throw before taking out his semi-final with a wazari and hold down in a tense ’golden score’ sudden death period.

His performance in the final was even better, finishing off a tough opponent with a move that earned him the best possible ’ippon’ score.

Pierre’s parents Olly and Dawn Michelin, landlords of Bittaford’s pub The Horse and Groom, described his victory as ’a very proud moment’.