A YOUNG judo champion has followed in his father’s footsteps by reaching the top of his game.

Charlie Ayre, from Middlesbrough, won his second British title in December, and will this month attend the England Development Programme.

The 12-year-old was crowned under 34kg British Judo Champion, adding to his under 27 kg title in 2015 and a silver medal at under 30 kg in 2016.

Over the last 14 months he has competed seven times, picking up a staggering five gold and two silver medals in competitions the length and breadth of the UK, with a win-loss ratio last year of 20-1.

Proud father Paul, who manages Middlesbrough Council’s Everyone Active leisure contract, was himself crowned junior British Judo Champion in 1987 at the age of 14.

He said: “Charlie has continued to make great progress with his judo this year and trained really hard to enable him to achieve some fantastic results along the way.

“He is now back in training after a break for Christmas and we hope he can build on his success from 2017.”

Charlie - also a keen footballer and Boro season ticket holder - has been doing judo for four years, reaching green belt level.

He trains at and competes for Thornaby Pavilion Judo Club under the guidance of 85-year-old Judo legend Joe Glynn.

And for the last 18 months also been working with a technical judo coach and family friend Shahram Shabazi.

Mr Ayre added: “Judo is fantastic for exercise, recreation, and building self-confidence but it’s the competition side that Charlie likes best.

“I’d like to think his success will act as inspiration to other young people to find out just how rewarding martial arts or any sports can be.”

He said Charlie had always said that he wanted to be a champion just like his father.

And Mr Glynn used to be Mr Ayre’s teacher too, instructing him for about ten or 11 years until he was 18.

The Thornaby club had a successful 2017, with 60 gold medals, 40 silver medals and 35 bronze.

The club also clinched two further national medals and has three England squad members.