JUDO: Long-serving Andrew Haffner's service has been marked by Samurai Judo Club.

Haffner, who has been at the Kidderminster club for 22 years, was handed a special plaque by BJA Midland Area chairman Roger Houston to mark his 30th year in the sport.

Samurai's Pam Whiteside said: "Past and present members owe a great deal to Andrew as he coaches, encourages and befriends everyone."

Haffner started off at Kidderminster Judo Club before opening his own club in St John's in June 1979.

And 22 years later he is still in control though the club moved to several venues before settling in Lisle Avenue in the early 1990s.

With grants and a large loan from Haffner himself, Samurai have turned the unit into a top-class venue.

In his 30 years, Haffner has achieved competitive fourth dan and is working hard to gain his fifth despite a knee injury.

He is a senior club coach, national C referee, senior grading examiner, competition controller and a national kata champion and examiner.

Busy Haffner also organises competitions and gradings throughout the Midlands every weekend.

Samurai will be open until Tuesday with the seniors travelling to local rivals Wolverhampton for a friendly visit the next day.

The club re-opens on Friday, January 4.

l Find out Samurai's results at the Worcestershire County Trials in next week's paper.