Even before Britain's Olympic hopefuls have boarded the plane to Athens, a Winchester man has brought home a world title.

In fact, it's the second time Jeff Lawson (25), of Stockbridge Road, has won the jujitsu world championship.

Jeff, formerly from Totton, successfully defended the title in Kitchener, Canada, where he also helped Britain win team gold.

He had to battle his way through nine bouts, with challengers from Australia, the USA, New Zealand and Canada.

"It's a freestyle martial art so you can use any technique you want," said Jeff. This meant that he literally kicked, punched and threw his way to the title.

Having become bored with judo, Jeff was introduced to jujitsu by a friend seven years ago.

Jeff hopes it will become an Olympic disciplineas judo is now.

"If it does, it would attract a lot of young people," he added.

The next chance for Jeff to defend his title comes in Argentina in 2006.

To mark his achievement, Winchester mayor, Cecily Sutton, invited Jeff to tea at Abbey House.

An enthusiastic supporter of many sports, she said: "When people do things like this, I like to acknowledge it."