AN award-winning judo star's success has brought a cash boost for the Back on Track Appeal.

Kelly Edwards was the first winner of the Shuttle Online Sports Personality Award this month and her prize included a £50 cheque to donate to the charity of her choice.

The teenage member of Samurai Judo Club decided to give the money to the Shuttle/Times & News appeal to help get Kidderminster and Stourport Athletic Club and Stourport Hockey Club back on their feet after December's blaze.

And the Kidderminster-based club doubled her money from its funds in a gesture of sporting comradeship.

Samurai founder Andrew Haffner said: "Kelly wanted to give the money to a good cause with a sporting link and the Back on Track Appeal was ideal.

"Although we have never had a setback like the two clubs concerned, we can understand what they are going through.

"We had our own premises for 10 years but then lost a full-time facility for three years and had some difficult times.

"They need friends at a time like this and we are happy to help out."

He added: "It is only a small gesture, but we hope it will help. We would normally hold a fund-raising event for this kind of appeal but we are currently doing all we can to raise money for new premises of our own."

Since its formation 30 years ago, Samurai has grown to become one of the top judo clubs in the country.

It has supported many appeals in that time and has raised more than £10,000 for good causes such as the Ray Mercer Sporting Foundation, Kemp Hospice, Blakebrook School and Macmillan Nurses.

Although highly competitive, the successful club believes in character and social development and fosters a wide sense of responsibility among its young members.

Mr Haffner said: "The development of young people is very important. We are competitive, but helping others and learning throughout our lifetime is a major part of our ethos."

l If your sports club can hold a fund-raising event or make a donation to the Back on Track Appeal contact reporter Charlie Crabtree on 01562 633340 or email him at charlie.crabtree @midlands. newsquest.co.uk