WHAT started out as a couple of friends reading a judo book and trying out a few throwing moves in their back garden has gone on to become the highly respected Devizes Budo Club.

The club formed in 1957 and used a community centre on The Green as their base. After attracting local interest, the club grew to around 20 members and professional coaches were hired.

Although it primarily began as a judo club, Aikido instruction, by renowned Japanese martial artist Shihan Kenshiro Abbe, followed soon after in 1958.

In 1959 the club was on the move to The Old Crown pub in New Park Street before settling for more than 50 years at the Queen's Head in Dunkirk Hill in 1964.

During this time the club flourished, with its member base rising sharply to nearly 150 people, a competitive under-16 junior squad being formed and many youngsters going on to have national and even international success.

That included international junior success, European Championship medallists, Commonwealth Games winners and Olympic medallists, such as Julian Davies, Andrew Giddings, Robert Wixon, Jemima Duxberry and Tom Reed.

Although nothing is planned yet, Richard Hopkins, who has been at the club for 50 years, said they will put on some sort of event to celebrate their 60th anniversary.

"In a world where everything is changed so much it is nice to keep a bit of tradition," said Mr Hopkins.

"It is strange to think it has been 60 years already, it has flown by. I joined here at the age of six and I have loved my time here over the last 50 years. I hope we will have many more years to come.

"We have come a long way and we have achieved a lot. It was a huge source of pride for everyone when our juniors went on to win medals in the biggest competitions – it is a stunning achievement.

"We have a lovely, homely feel at this special club. We have a wonderful coaching set-up and a lot of exciting prospects. I feel we have a very bright future ahead."

The club moved from the pub to Rowdeford School in Devizes at the end of last month on a temporary basis.