TWO of York's leading young judo players got their hands on awards at major national competitions.

Fifteen-year-old Craig Erion won the bronze medal at the under 18s Open competition at Goole, while Richard Rogers, 13, took bronze in the GM Sports Classic Championship at Edinburgh's Meadbowbank Stadium.

Both players train at York RI Judo Club and have been selected to fight in the county squad.

Club coach Bev Clayton, a former national player, who is a fourth dan, said: "Craig and Richard are very dedicated judo players and regularly train together at our club in York.

"Since their selection for the county squad they are further developing their skills at Bradford's National Centre of Judo Excellence.

"As they continue to mature as fighters I am sure we will see them performing successfully at the highest national level."

The York RI Judo Club train at the Railway Institute gym in Queen Street. Anyone who wishes to try their hand at the sport should attend the gym on Monday or Friday. Juniors aged 16 and under meet at 6.20pm and those over that age meet at 8.20pm.

For further information contact Simon Hill on 01904 672350.

Updated: 12:07 Thursday, March 28, 2002