THE Kendal Judo Club’s Annual Winter Training Camp saw them welcome paralympic gold medallist and judoka Chris Skelley.

The event saw over 150 martial artists and grappler's take part in the event.

On the day following the announcement of his MBE for Services to Judo, Paralympic 2020 Gold medallist Chris Skelley’s first official duties were to run up a very muddy Kendal Castle Hill, drag large tractor tyres up and down a 100-metre path followed taking part in the Annual Winter Training Camp.

A friend to the club who had visited many times in the past, Chris joined in the training session and spent time in the area.

Outside of his career as a top Paralympian, Chris also supports the charity Phoenix Enterprises which offer a range of work experience placements for those with mental health issues that can enhance skills and boost confidence.

This also offers the flexibility of trying new roles while balancing health or financial issues.

Kendal Judo Club’s Kan-Geiko (Winter Training Camp) has been an annual event for the nearly forty years is high on the list of “must attend” of judoka from all over England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, and this year had people from Jersey attending.

The main aim this year for Chris is the Commonwealth Games in Coventry but, for the longer term, it is the next Olympics in Paris.