THIS time last year, a popular judo club was facing a frantic fight to stay alive as it searched frantically for a new home.

For more than 20 years, Manor Judo Club provided classes for Basildon youngsters at Willows Primary School, in Church Road.

However it was floored by the news that the school wished to evict them, as it bid to “move in a new direction.”

The club had a month to set up shop in new premises, or face permanent closure.

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

Fast forward 12 months, and life for Manor Judo Club looks infinitely better.

The Basildon based club called on the services of a few famous faces as part of its relaunch.

Gemma Gibbons Burton, Olympic silver medallist at London 2012, and her husband Euan Burton MBE, World and European Judo medallist and Scottish performance coach, dropped in two weeks ago to give their expert advice to the club’s youngsters.

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.

The pair called in on the club to help it get off the ground, and to also give expert advice.

Reflecting on a rollercoaster 12 months, Sue Brushmear, the club’s founder, says she is delighted that the club is back in business.

Mrs Brushmear, 53, of Curling Tye, in Basildon, said: “Here we are almost a year to the day when we heard we had to move locations. We are now settled at Fryerns Social Club. They could not have been any more supportive of our club.

“We have lost some of our juniors since moving, but the ones that have stayed with us and the new members that our now a part of our team are fantastic.

“We’ve got about 35 members on board, which isn’t particularly big, but for a long time it looked like we would be down to zero. Steve Allen, my right hand man, has been absolutely fantastic too and I couldn’t have done this without him.

“Having Ashley, Owen, Gemma and Euan call in on us can hopefully inspire the next generation of stars, and who knows, maybe one could come out of our club.”

In terms of the club’s pedigree, Charlotte Wain is hoping to put Manor on the map.

The Londoner, ranked 21st in the UK, heads down to Whitmore Way every week in her bid to climb up the rankings.

Martial arts have long been identified as a safe haven for youngsters.

Indeed McKenzie is testament to that, the 27 year old Londoner was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder at an early age.

McKenzie was first exposed to Judo at the age of 11, which helped him to channel his energy.

Jazmin Brushmear, 24, from Westcliff, Sue’s daughter, believes his story is inspiring and hopes it will spur class members on to

Miss Brushmear said: “Mum has always made it clear that the club is for all ages and abilities. On the mat we have people from right across the board.

“There are kids with learning disabilities, men who are plasterers, families too. People come from Southend and London religiously attend the club, and that’s fantastic.

“What makes it so appealing is that it’s a great outlet for people to get healthy. You can see it also builds confidence in the members, particularly the younger ones.

“We have one or two who might be getting into trouble when they are at school, but when they are on the mat, they listen to every word that’s said.”

Classes at Manor Judo take place every Tuesday from 7pm to 8pm for juniors, and 8pm to 9.15pm for the seniors.

For more information, visit facebook.com/manor.judoclub.