Twins Ralph and Haydn Williams won bronze and silver medals respectively whilst representing Great Britain at the Ippon Trophy in Antwerp.

The pair, 12, who are both pupils at Parmiter’s School, both scooped medals in Belgium as part of the 13-strong Great Britain team, with Ralph winning his maiden international medal at the Sportcentrum de Rode Loop.

Both are keen sportsmen who represent the school at football, rugby, basketball, cross country, handball and athletics.

Ralph was second to fight and scored an Ippon in the first minute against a competitor from Belgium, fighting well in the following rounds against top Judoka to finish the contest in third position to claim bronze – his first international medal.

Haydn had been first up to fight and took just one minute to strike the first blow, scoring a Yuko to go ahead.

Soon after, his Belgian opponent levelled the score and it was not until two seconds from the end Williams scored a further Yuko to win the fight.

Losing only one round to the Netherlands, Haydn took further wins with Ippon and secured silver, adding to the bronze he had won at the British International in October.

Mum Belinda said of her sons’ success: “I am still shocked. When they were younger they wanted to start judo but we were not sure.

“They tried taekwondo but they wanted something more immediate. We took them to Bury Judo Club the next week and we have just stayed there ever since.”

The duo’s success on the international scene was recognised by their club upon their return to the UK, with Haydn being named the most successful junior medal winner and junior Judoka of the year.

Ralph finished as runner up in the junior Jodoka of the year category.

The boys’ attentions will turn to athletics in the New Year, with Haydn having recently switched to pentathlon and Ralph concentrating on the hurdles and high jump.