CASEY BELSEY has won a place in the national judo squad after claiming bronze at the British Age Championships.

The 16-year-old from Sheppey, who trains at Dartford Judo Club, won three of his four fights at the recently held event in Sheffield in the under-55kg category.

It’s a step up for the Sheppey youngster, who last year won the British title, fighting against the under-50kg competitors.

Belsey was stopped at the semi-final stage in the latest championship after his opponent won with an arm lock.

His previous two fights had been won with an ippon, which stops the fight immediately, with a 10-point win.

The fourth fight of the night was for the bronze medal and a much coveted place in the British squad.

Belsey took the win after throwing his opponent with a yuko and holding him down for 25 seconds – to claim another ippon win.