A COMMUNITY centre has come to the aid of a judo instructor in need of new premises to teach her students.
Beth Wood runs sessions from Temple Park Centre two nights a week.
But when demand for her skills increased, she embarked on finding a second venue from which to run South Shields Judo Club.
Now, after being welcomed at Ocean Road Community Centre, her Monday night sessions have proved a hit with students looking to learn the art of judo.
Beth, a 2nd dan in judo, said: “When I first started in 2010, I thought it would be about 10 to 20 people on a Friday night. But as time went on, more and more people joined.
“Now we have over 100 members, and have to run sessions from two venues. It really is fantastic.”
The classes are run by Beth and Tom Foster, a 6th dan.
Members have the chance to take part in competitions and go through the belt gradings.
Monday night courses run from 6pm to 7pm, for those aged five to seven, 7pm to 8pm for eight to 16, and from 8pm to 9pm for seniors.
Coun Audrey McMillan, who welcomed the club to the centre, said: “I am very pleased to welcome this new group to the centre.
“It’s a huge group with a wide range.
“It was also very encouraging on the first night to see so many parents present as well.
“I hope members of the club enjoy using the facilities of the centre.”
Anyone interested in joining can come along to a session – the first class is free – by contacting Beth on 07725 111056 or 452 5624.