A BRILLIANT 2007 for Sarah Biles was capped after she was named Samurai Judo Club's fighter of the year.

The teenager, who was also named junior female and most improved fighter of the year, got the most votes from her fellow clubmates for the accolade and sealed a year, where she won a gold medal at the Heart of England Championships and 18 medals in Britain and Europe overall.

Tom Dobbins was selected by his peers as the junior male fighter of 2007, while Grant Jones and Kate Walker received the senior awards.

In the technical section, which was decided by the club's chief instructor, Walker's double gold at the British Junior and Senior Trials secured her the top award, followed in second place by Biles.

Jones, who won silver at the British Junior National Championships, finished third, while Kelly Edwards's bronze at the European Youth Olympics earned her fourth place.

Walker became the first Samurai fighter to win a second placing in the technical awards when she was named in fifth place because of her impressive victory at the English Senior Open, while her brother, Tom, was ranked sixth for his gold medal at the Belgium International Open in Ingelmunster.

Jones won the best throw award for the second year in a row, followed by Nicola Haywood in second and Tom Walker in third.

The groundwork award was given to Emily Watson for her impressive performance at the North-West Junior Open, a British selection event, where she took the gold medal.

Kate Walker's excellent groundwork skills at the British Trials and Sarah Biles' at the Heart Of England were also close.

Jack Harris received the Rod Land award for attitude and spirit, with Tom Dobbins runners and the best team award went to Andy Marston, Tom Walker and Ed Leonardo.

The county girls team, which had four of the five members coming from Samurai and won the gold at the BJC Inter-County Teams Championships, were runners-up.

The club's organisers, referees, table officials and helpers were given a special award for their hard work and achievement of the year.

For details about the club and its activities you can telephone 0776 1122977 or visit the Samurai website on www.samurai.org.uk