A JUDO club received a masterclass from a Commonwealth gold medalist at one of its sessions.

Danny Williams, a judoka who won gold in Glasgow in the 73 kilogram category three years ago, paid a visit to Basildon’s Manor Judo where dozens of members honed their skills.

The 27-year-old who also competed in London 2012, was on hand to teach junior and senior members of the club, who have rallied to stave off closure.

In July 2015 the popular judo club was facing a frantic fight to stay alive as it searched for a new home.

For more than 20 years, Manor provided classes for Basildon youngsters at Willows Primary School, in Church Road. It was floored by the news that the school wished to evict them, as it bid to “move in a new direction.”

However, with the support of the community and fuelled by fighting spirit, it hauled itself from the deck and found a home in the Fryerns Social Club, in Whitmore Way.

Sue Brushmear, the club’s founder, says it is in a much healthier position than the summer of 2015.

She said: “Things are a lot better, we are still looking for more members, but are a lot happier about how things are going.

“We are really grateful for Danny coming down to support us and give up his time.”

Gemma Gibbons Burton, Olympic silver medallist at London 2012, and her husband Euan Burton MBE, World and European Judo medallist and Scottish performance coach, also dropped in last summer to give their expert advice to the club.

Manor’s friends in high places also include Ashley McKenzie, Commonwealth Games gold medallist in 2014 and Rio Olympic hopeful, along with Owen Livesy, Commonwealth Games gold medallist in 2014.

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/manor.judoclub.9