A PENSIONER from Bromsgrove has achieved one of the highest accolades in judo at the age of 79.

Dennis Roe, of Aston Fields, has been coaching the sport for more than half a century, and was recently awarded his 6th dan black belt by the Amateur Judo Association (AJA) at a tournament in Birmingham.

Mr Roe, who teaches adults and children at weekly sessions at Rubery Judo Club, told the Advertiser: "It was quite a surprise and they stopped the tournament to make the presentation.

"It came out of the blue as I only got my fifth dan three years ago.

"Usually you have to wait six or seven years to get the next dan but fortunately they must have thought I was good enough!"

While Dennis's competitive years are behind him - "I don't do any fighting any more," he laughed - he referees events as well as coaching at his club.

He also takes some of his club's students to tournament at these shores and beyond, with a trip to an international event in the Netherlands coming up this year.

Rubery Judo Club is based at Rubery Social Club and holds weekly sessions from 5.45-8pm on Wednesdays.

The classes, which cost £3, are for anyone aged four and upwards of any ability - go along to the club on a Wednesday or find them on Facebook for more information.