JUDO star Aidan Bostock from Okehampton has won a superb bronze at the 2009 British Championships in Sheffield.

Aidan, aged 14, had 32 competitors in his under 60kg cadet group (under 17 years of age) from all over Great Britain.

His success was particularly impressive as he is in the younger end of the age band.

Aidan won his first three contests but after a hard fought battle lost his fourth to the eventual silver medallist leaving him to fight off for bronze.

His medal will ensure that he retains his place in the England squad for 2010.

It also means that he will join their 'talent squad' — representing the best in this country's judo for their age group, who will be taking part in international team events.

Aidan trains three times a week at Tamar Judo centre, which is a high performance club with England squad members from all over the South West, as well as attending national sessions in Sheffield, Dartford and training camp at Kendal.

He was selected to represent the Western Area in the championships after winning through at the trials on September 12 at Bristol, along with Mike Crowhurst who won through at U55kg in the pre-cadet U15s age band.

Aidan's father Darren, who runs Okehampton Judo Club and a second dan sensei himself, said: 'I'm very proud of the way that Aidan has trained since being selected for the England squad never missing training sessions, even fitting in extra fitness training during school lunch times.

'He's put 100 per cent effort into developing his judo and has made incredible progress this year.'

'Aidan was awarded British judo's maximum junior grade of 18th mon this summer and continues to help me with coaching at Okehampton Judo Club when possible.'