Joshua Goodacre, 15, fulfilled a lifetime ambition when he won the gold medal for the Boys Under 16's event in the National Judo Championships which were held in Birmingham on Sunday.

Joshua, from Little Baddow, joined Bicknacre Judo Club when he was six-years old and his Sensei Mike Kellett has recognised Joshua's talent and has always encouraged him.

Joshua, who is a brown belt, and attends the Anglo-European School in Ingatestone, has been helping to teach at his home club, Bicknacre for the past two years as he wants to give something back to the Club to benefit other youngsters.

During the last six months, Joshua has also become a member of the Royal London Judo Club in Colchester in order to gain experience in fighting a wider range of boys his age.

He has been trained by Val Crowley who helped him enter regional competitions.

Having beaten a member of the National Squad in Norfolk earlier this season, Joshua realised that he had the potential to join the elite and set his sights on gaining gold!

Joshua relied on a combination of good technique, fast reactions, sheer strength and absolute determination to beat two National Squad members in the finals to achieve his gold medal.

On his feelings after winning the gold, Joshua said: ''I was hopeful of doing well in the championships and when the news came through that I had won the gold, it was a fantastic moment and one that I will treasure for a long time to come.''

He has been invited to join the National Squad and compete internationally in Europe.

During July Joshua is due to participate in a character building 'World Challenge Expedition' to Pakistan with a group of fellow students from the Anglo-European School.

They will be developing leadership and team building skills while trekking and carrying out voluntary community work during the four week expedition.

Joshua would welcome financial help via sponsorship from local companies or donations as he is still trying to raise the £2,450 needed for the trek.

Potential sponsors are invited to write to Joshua Goodacre, c/o: Gary Stubbings, Sports Editor, Essex Chronicle, Westway, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 3BE.

Gold top . . Joshua Goodacre who won the gold medal in the Boys Under 16's event at the National Judo Championships in Birmingham.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.