DROITWICH's Robert Alloway won gold at the AJA National finals to ensure his place in the British squad competing in Holland in May.

The Droitwich Judo Club blackbelt, aged 26, won gold in the under-60 kilogram weight category in Castle Vale.

Alloway's success means he is part of the national squad, which will be taking on some of the finest competitors in Europe in Eindhoven on May 15.

Over 1,500 competitors are expected to take part, including members of Holland's and Germany's strong national squads.

Alloway said: "It's my first time in the squad and I'm eager to make sure I'm ready for action.

"I've increased my training and fitness regime to help prepare me."

Alloway, who obtained his first dan blackbelt in June 2004, has started training at Erdington Judo Club, one of the top clubs in the Midlands.

He said: "I've been working with five or six black belts and it's helped my training."

His Droitwich teammate Thomas Ewins won silver in the over-100kg category.