A TEENAGE judo ace is celebrating landing an accolade for his work with youngsters in the club.

Charlie McLean (15) was recently presented with the Young Coach of the Year award by Irvine Judo Club.

The Irvine Royal Academy pupil lives in Hunter Drive.

He has been practising judo from the age of eight and competes occasionally as well as being involved in coaching. Last year he won medals at the Habirikan Open and he was a silver medallist in the Irvine Judo Club club championships.

Coach Gordon Brawley is impressed with the teenager's dedication and delighted he has been recognised.

He said: "Charlie s a role model and great coach to the youngsters at the Judo Club. He helps coach all levels from mainstream to special needs up to the age of 12 . Charlie is a very popular young man with great enthusiasm and is also a great help to the senior coaches . On top of all that he also assists his grandfather (Gilbert Macdonald) in teaching young kids to swim on a Saturday morning.