A LONG-established Irvine martial arts club have undergone a massive revamp.

Last Tuesday was the first night back for Irvine Judo Club at Parterre Hall since early December owing to the refurbishment work.

They secured a £51,000 grant to fund the work through sportscotland and thanks go to Andy Kelly and Barry Fleeting for their help with this.

The work consists of new Insulated flooring on a sprung timber floor , new Internal Insulated linings to the main walls, new double glazing , and a new Insulated tile ceiling, new doors, alarm and CCTV.

The club also built a small gym, which is adequately equipped - for members' use and there is also a small reception area where parents can wait for the kids to finish their judo session.

This also shows the main hall on CCTV, allowing the parents to watch their kids while relaxing with tea,coffee or refreshments.

All the work was all done due to North Ayrshire council agreeing an asset transfer to the Judo Club of Parterre Hall.

The idea for a revamp was first initiated two years ago through discussions between the Irvine club and North Ayrshire Council.

Community asset transfer allows an opportunity for people to be involved in developing and providing opportunities or services for their local communities.

Irvine Judo Club senior coach and club treasurer Gordon Brawley said: "When we took up the challenge the first thing we did was get ourselves organised with a strong committee, created a constitution and demonstrated we could manage it all with a robust business plan. We also had to demonstrate that our scheme was to the good of the wider community We then applied for and obtained charity status , all this helped us secure financial assistance .

We have had tremendous support from our Governing body Judo Scotland, sportscotland, local politicians and businesses, including McCulloch Rail, CK Contracts, Auld Land signs, D Clancy, KM Joinery and also the general public who have helped with contributions and auctions."

The building work was carried out by Dennis Clancy and Sons and his contractors within budget and time scale.

Added Gordon: "With having our own premises we hope to attract other community groups to use our facility. We have Tribe fitness two nights a week."

Judo Club training sessions are Tuesday and Thursday from 6.30pm-7.30pm for kids and 7.30pm- 9pm for adults.

In late January they start a fitness and self defence class and this will be a mix of various martial arts Including judo / jujitsu, and striking.

The club are also looking for groups to take up their daytime slots and this would suit yoga, keep fit and zumba. and would be especially suit older keep fit groups due to the permanent mat area which is not just as painful on the joints. The facility would also suits toddler groups.

This year will be a big one for the Judo Club in regional and national competitions.

In the special top player for is Ross Carswell (19) is current Scottish, British, Dutch International and Dutch Open champion.

The Judo Club are on Facebook.