Plucky Jak Powlesland, of Quayside Judo Club in Kingsbridge, fought his way to a bronze medal at the annual Devon Closed Champion­ships held at Torbay Leisure Centre on January 21.

Quayside Judo Club coach Samuel Westlake admitted the fights were tough for the youngster due to him being up against older players,

He said: “This year, Jak was competing in the under 16 age category, which was challenging for a 12-year-old.

“It’s a tribute to Jak’s maturity that he took it all in his stride.”