HUNDREDS of judo players from around Europe will be in action in Southend this weekend.

Southend Judo Club will be hosting its sixth international competition at Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre on Saturday and Sunday.

The number of entrants is up by 200 from last year and the club's head coach Pascal Knaapen believes this is due to the format of the tournament.

"We are unique in the UK in that we have a category for every single player," said former Dutch junior champ and fifth dan Knaapen.

"Our competition is divided into age groups and then ability groups. There are about 135 groups where competitors can win medals.

"The structure means that clubs can bring everyone at the club to compete."

Players from the Czech Republic, Poland, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Norway are expected, along with other from Britain.

Southend Judo Club is expecting eight members to be in action.

The event runs from 8am both days and spectators are welcome.

Full details of admission charges and the event are at www.southendjudo.co.uk.