BUCKHURST Hill youngster Dru Oakes has walked away from his first national judo competition with a winners medal.

Dru was up against some very stiff and older competition in the under-30kg weight division of the British National Championships.

The ten-year-old had to overcome four opponents to be crowned overall winner at the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre on Saturday.

He said: "I was delighted when I won and I felt very proud to be presented with the gold medal."

Dru is sponsored by Epping Forest Council and trains twice a week with the Jodan Club at Barkingside Sports Centre.

Proud mum Caroline added: "This was the first national competition Dru was allowed to compete in and when he produced the knockout throw in the final we were all going mad.

"He has been training very hard and I am delighted that he won because Judo means every thing to him."

Dru's coach at the Jodan Club, Pete Salisbury, was also delighted with his pupil's achievement, especially considering there was a record number of entrants at this year's finals.

He said: "I was over the moon for Dru because he has worked very hard to get to this standard. I believe he has the talent to go all the way and represent Great Britain."