A Berkshire judo club, that has enjoyed competition success nationally and internationally, has welcomed a grant of £1,000.

Pinewood Judo Club, based in Wokingham, was hit hard financially by the Covid pandemic, losing all of its subscription income for almost a year and unable to hold its annual summer and winter fundraisers.

Sensie Mark Fricker, from the club, said: “We are a not-for-profit sporting charity and all of our coaches donate their precious time on a voluntary basis. Our building upkeep along with the increased hygiene related measures associated with Covid are crippling us.

“To hear that we had been awarded £1,000 through the Community Champions scheme was wonderful, we will be able to do so much good with these funds and we are very, very grateful.”

Pinewood Judo Club is one of the most successful judo clubs in Europe with an outstanding record of National, International and Olympic achievements dating back over 58 years. All of its champions are ‘home grown’.