Ralph Johnson, of Tenterden Swords Fencing Club, returned from the World Veterans Fencing Championships in Limoges, France, as the 60+ Epee World Champion.

A former Olympian, 50+ world champion and 2008 Kent county champion, Johnson went through the first phase of the competition (which started with 48 competitors from 34 countries) undefeated, winning five fights including one against former World Champion Leo Pasmans.

This secured him the second seed for the knockout phase, where the winning line increased from five hits to 10.

Johnson cruised through his first two elimination fights, before holding his nerve to beat Australian Haluk Yeter 10-9 in the quarter-finals.

Two-time winner Gerard Lapouge of France was defeated 10-5 in the last four, setting up an all-English final against defending champion Robin Davenport.

The final started slowly, with Johnson leading 4-2 at half way. Davenport battled back to 4-4 before Johnson broke away to win 10-5 and claim the world title.