A YOUNG New Forest judo expert has fought her way to the top of the pile to represent the country at the world championships.

But 14-year-old Laura Sexton from Totton had a break from tossing opponents on to the mat as a member of the British Judo Association Girls Cadet Squad.

The Hounsdown School pupil - a Hampshire and Southern area champion - fought off strong competition from hundreds of other girls to be one of just 20 picked for the prestigious support role at the Hyundai World '99 Judo Championships in Birmingham.

For Laura, also a blue belt and a bronze medal winner at national level, turning out in a Great Britain tracksuit to usher the competitors on to the mats was almost as big a thrill as competing at the senior event herself - a feat she will no doubt soon achieve.

Laura said: "It was great being there seeing all the champions, who I got to sign the presentation box of my replica medal. It was all really exciting but I was nervous too."

And it seems excelling at judo is a family tradition set to continue with Laura's 12-year-old brother Stephen also a Hampshire and Southern area champion.

Mum Nichola, of Cherrywood Gardens, said: "It takes up a lot of time and money but we are really proud of them."

Now both are going on to compete again at national level next month.

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