ONE of the oldest judo clubs in the South West is settling in nicely into their new surroundings at Rowdeford School in Devizes, after being forced out of their old home.

The last judo session at the Queen's Head, in Dunkirk Hill, took place at the end of March to end the club's 50-year stay at the venue, after the owner said they had to move out as he was going to convert the building into houses.

After searching in vain for a new home, the club finally struck gold when they agreed a deal with the special needs community school to use their gym on Monday, Thursday and Friday nights.

Secretary Graham Hickman said everyone at the club, which also teaches Aikido and Karate, was so grateful to the school.

"We cannot thank the school enough for their generosity to let this famous, 60-year-old club, have a temporary home," said Mr Hickman.

"It is a great venue, it has underground heating and it is slightly bigger than our old place. We pay a rent that was less than before which is a bonus and so far it is going really well.

"We hope to find a new place in the next year or so but realistically I think it may be 18 months to two years. Wadworth used to own the pub but that ended in 2009 and since 2012 we have looked for new places to call our own but they all fell through.

"I have been joking with others at the club that we could do with a nice millionaire owner coming along, but in the meantime we will try our best to find grants and look for support."

Mr Hickman said it had been difficult for the club, which has around 100 members ranging from the age of five to adults, to apply for funds when they do not have a hall, or dojo, of their own.

"We have tried Sport England and so many other places for grants but the different parties do not want to give us grants without a permanent residence of our own. We could get it at the old place but not at the moment," he said.

"I am confident that a club like ours, which has seen thousands of children come through our doors and some have gone onto national and international success, can find a permanent base."