A world class judo centre costing £500,000 will be opened by a three times Olympian and world medallist.

Westcroft Judo Club together with chairman of the British Judo Association, former Olympian Densign White will unveil the new facility at Carshalton Boys Sport College on Saturday.

The centre – funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, Sport England and 16 National Governing Bodies - has a 10m x12m contest area on a sprung floor and a space for spectators.

It is hoped the new centre will encourage more people to take up the sport – in 2004 the British Judo Association identified Westcroft club as needing “significant improvement”.

Westcroft Judo Club set up in 1996 on a squash court in a leisure centre. Now the club has more than 300 license holders with five players on the England squads - of being 2007 Youth Olympic champion, Kerry Ford.

Executive member for community safety, leisure and libraries Coun Graham Tope said: “The borough now has a world class facility to train students to the highest levels and this new hall will be an asset to the whole community.”

Mr White said: “The facility will be invaluable for the entire spectrum of judo player – from our grass roots participants’ right through to athletes competing internationally. A club such as this also no doubt helps to attract and retain new participants into our sport.”

For more information about taking a judo class contact Andy Ede on 0845 0560241.