A TEENAGE judo sensation has become British Schools Champion once again.

Esmee Holgate from High Bentham successfully defended her title of British Schools Champion.

Esmeè, 14, fought and defeated her rivals at the competition in Sheffield on Saturday, March 14.

Esmeè is a student at Queen Elizabeth’s school in Kirkby Lonsdale.

The success was a fantastic result which followed on from the previous weekend when she fought at the Scottish Championships in the cadet under 18 years category.

There, she defeated the current British Champion and Youth Olympian.

Esmeè trains at Craven Judo Academy.

She is coached by Danny Harper and is on the England Development programme.

She has now medalled for her country on three separate occasions.

Esmeè also receives personal training for strength and conditioning at TNT at Ingleton with Bentham pro boxer Tomi Tatham.

The teenager won Cumbria’s Rising Sports Star Award in November 2019.

Esmeè has been competing in judo events since she was eight years old.

Her mum Cherry said last year: “She fell into karate after attending a Kendal taster session and just got hooked."

She trains five days a week and competes most weekends, travelling extensively in England and abroad.

Esmeè is currently looking for sponsorship.

Anyone interested in helping can contact Cherry Holgate on 07759019232.