A BRISTOL man has become the first person in the UK with learning difficulties to earn a black belt in judo under new national rules.

David Woodland has autism and learning difficulties but has not let that stop him going far in the sport.

The 19-year-old from Brentry was awarded his black belt last night at Kodachi Judo Club in Southville, where he is club captain.

David's father Keith said that although other people with disabilities had become black belts before, David was the first to do so under new criteria introduced by the British Judo Association.

David, who lives with his parents Keith and Mel, first discovered judo when he was eight and, despite numerous serious injuries, including a dislocated shoulder, lives and breathes the sport.

Since taking up the sport, he has travelled all over the world, including Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Italy and Slovenia.

He has been an under-18 European judo champion and also competed in the Special Olympics in Leicester a couple of years ago.

He trains twice a week – once in Southville and once in Yate – and also helps out at Southmead Disabled Youth Group, which he attends every Wednesday evening.

Keith said: "It was a surprise for David – he didn't know that he had got it. But he is over the moon."