TWO Irvine martial arts aces are celebrating gold medal successes.

Ross Carswell and Robert Cooper (both 21) competed in the recent Clyde Grand Prix.

Gold was secured by Ross in the under 100 kg weight group and Robert Cooper matched his success in the under 81 kg category.

Robert lives in Springside and Ross stays in Irvine.

The event was for adults from all over Scotland. First up was Robert in the under 81kg weight category. He was in a pool of four and won all his fights by maximum scores. This was his first competition in three years, his last one being the Scottish where he won bronze.

Now that Robert is back in training there will be a lot more to come from this very talented Judo player.

Ross was also in a pool of four players in the under 100 kg weight group. He won all his fights by maximum scores.

This was also straight off the back of the East of Scotland Championships where Ross also won gold.

Coach Gordon Brawley said: "This was a remarkable achievement for Ross as this was his first mainstream competition. Ross, who has autism has won gold at every event.

He currently holds the East of Scotland, British and European gold medals at Special Needs level.

Brawley added: "Ross is a tremendous player who works really hard and is a credit to the Judo club and his family . I think both players have benefited from our new gym which was built in January."

The club are currently looking for new members. Membership of the club also includes free membership to our own private gym.

Meetings are held in Parterre Hall on Tuesdays and Thursdays, at 6.30pm for juniors and 7.30pm for adults.