Members of a judo club in Pill took part in an unusual fundraiser to help them buy new mats.

Needing to raise £3,500 for the mats, members of the Tora Kai Judo Club staged a 'Judothon' which involved players attempting to make more than 1,000 winning (Ipon) throws in a two-hour period. They exceeded their targets, achieveing 1,875 throws and raising almost £2,000.

Seven national IBC champions who train at the club were among up to 30 members who took part. The throws were monitored by senior members with higher grades.

Fourth Dan Sensei Steve Chappell said: "The record for a professional judo player is 1,000 throws in 20 minutes, so with a lot of kids involved we thought we could achieve that if we extended that to two hours.

"It was a great success and the contribution from parents, local businesses and club members has been fantastic. We are doing all right for a small club."