SILVER service was followed by a golden distinction for York's judo ace Rob Thomas.

The 40-year-old, who is preparing for his final assault on the World Masters title next month, captured a silver medal in the coveted High Wycombe Masters competition.

But it was just after his medal award that Thomas truly struck gold. A grading examination was held in which Thomas was awarded his Fifth Dan black belt to become one of the select band of still-competing performers to acquire such exalted status.

Thomas had to first negotiate two fights, both opponents being swept away by an emphatic margin of ten points.

That put him into what's known as a three-man line-up in which he had to consecutively take on three opponents straight after each other. All were finished off with none of the bouts lasting more than a minute as Thomas displayed his full range of expertise.

His fantastic five-fight feat was rewarded by his Fifth Dan black belt, an award that almost left the man-mountain lost for words.

"I was very emotional," recalled Thomas, who is poised to sign off his competitive career in Canada next month in the World Masters championships.

"Winning a Fifth Dan belt is not unusual, but it is unusual for it to be won by a fighter who is still competing at a high level. All that's left for me to go for now is Sixth Dan status, which is a red and white belt, and that is awarded in recognition for what you have achieved in judo and what you have done to promote the sport."

The Fifth Dan status could not have been earned at such an appropriate time as Thomas is in the middle of a rigorous training programme hopefully leading to World Masters' success - his fourth crack at the top-class championships - in Toronto in mid-June.

To help raise the funds to take him across the Atlantic, there will be a special night at the Groves Working Men's Club this Saturday, May 28, starting from 7.30pm.

The event has been organised by the fighter's family and tickets cost £3.50 for a supper and disco. Donations and raffle prizes, and any other forms of sponsorship can be passed on to Thomas' brother Fred Thomas at Fred's Bakery in York on 630046.

Updated: 10:47 Thursday, May 26, 2005