CHURCHILL judo player Laura Dangerfield has set her sights on a strong year after claiming bronze at the National Championships.

The 22-year-old finished joint third in Sheffield to win her highest-ever accolade.

Dangerfield, who is a member of Kidderminster’s Samurai Judo Club, won two of her bouts in the round-robin competition, which was enough to secure the medal.

Her success also ensured she shot up in the national rankings from 10th to fifth in the under-78 kilogram section.

“I’m so delighted to have won a medal,” said Dangerfield.

“The tournament had the best players in the country competing so to come away with a medal was brilliant.”

The nationals invites the top 16 players in each category to fight and she finished behind London 2012 silver medallist Gemma Gibbons and Caroline Kinnane.

Dangerfield has returned to the sport 10 months ago after a seven-year break.

She had been a member of Forge Judo Club in Redditch, which unfortunately closed down.

“This is my first medal at a major British tournament,” she added.

“I want to build on it and have more success.”