A QUARTET of young judo fighters from the News Shopper region have been named in a 20-strong British squad for the world championships in Tokoyo next month.

Gemma Gibbons, 23, Scarlett Woolcock and Gemma Howell, both 20, and 19-year-old Kelly Edwards will all be making their debuts in the event, which takes place between September 9 and September 13.

Gibbons, from Charlton, will be fighting in the U78kg category along with Dartford’s Woolcock.

Howell, who is from Sidcup, will compete in the U57kg event, while Dartford teenager Edwards is set to take part in the U48kg section.

A further four members of the 20-strong party train at the British Judo Performance Institute in Dartford.

Faith Pitman, Megan Fletcher, Ashley McKenzie and Colin Oates also train primarily at the sport’s premier training facility in England.