SAMURAI were the big winners at the British Judo Association’s Annual Volunteer Awards.

The Wyre Forest club won more awards than any other team or county as they scooped five accolades.

Leading the charge was chairman Sarah Newbury who was named official of the year award for a record third time.

Neil Lawcock was silver medalist in the adult referee category.

An international referee who also spends time helping low level and junior referees, Lawcock was made honorary life member of the club earlier this year along with wife Sue.

Former Samurai member Carol Leverton, who lives in Worcester, also took a bronze award.

In the young referee category with Bryony Griffiths, 14, and Matthew Hemer, aged 12, scooped both bronzes.

Club president Malcolm Limrick was presented with a bronze award in the event volunteer section. One of the longest serving club members, he is a top competition organizer and also a referee.

The awards were presented by Samurai head coach Andrew Haffner, who is also chairman of the national competition and volunteer comissions.

Also presenting the awards was Stefan Newbury, one of Sarah’s sons, who is the BJA’s Competitions Development Officer as well as a top referee and table official.

He said: “We were delighted when we found out that the awards panel had selected so many of our club members again this year.

“And it was particularly satisfying for me to be able to present mum’s award.”

Haffner also joined in the praise for the Samurai stars.

He said: “Samurai is a club which believes passionately in offering different pathways to achievement.

“Obviously we have our competitive players who do very well nationally and internationally but it is also good to give people the chance to be event officials and volunteers because that is also a great way to succeed and enjoy the sport.”

Also present at the awards evening from the club were former winners Ben Newbury, Sarah Biles and Brendan Crummy, again all from the Samurai club.

Anyone who wants more details about the club can call 07761 122977 or visit www.samurai.org.uk