A HOMEGROWN star from Moonrakers Judo Club gained her first Dan Black Belt.

Emily Snell became the club’s first local female member to secure the belt after competing in copious events since taking up the sport seven years ago.

Moonrakers senior club coach Peter Blakemore, who presented the belt to Snell, said: “It is a proud day for Emily and the club; she has been very successful in contests and won lots of medals.

“I’m very pleased that she has achieved her Black Belt which reflects all the hard work she has put in over the years. It is very well deserved.”