Two tangle at a Bideford judo class for toddlers

In the picture are Jacqueline Francis and Keith Rockey.

First support for the new North Devon Judo Academy has been so strong that the man behind it, greengrocer Mervyn Francis, has had to start a search for bigger premises. Mr Francis was instrumental in introducing judo to North Devon nine years ago, and is the area's leading exponent with a black belt and two dans. There were four other black belts in North Devon - Peter Wrey, Bob Pearson, Tommy Baker and R Reinstorff.

Another tiny tot being taught to tumble still has three years to go before he can join the academy. He is Stephen Screech, whose father is Shamwickshire Rovers' goalkeeper, Alan Screech.

Gazette article dated 13 May 1966