ONE of the most successful British Fencing Clubs has been running in Durham.

There are around a hundred young and seniors preparing for competitions in the Salle Jakab Club week by week.

This club was established since 1996 and after the first year, good results developed very quickly. Its fencers represented Great Britain on the international stages both in Europe and USA including at the Fencing World Championship.

The men's sabre team of Club Salle Jakab won the British Championship two times, and the women's sabre team gained first place this year for the second time in row. The men's A team finished in second place ahead of the B team.

The top international fencers are preparing now for the Commonwealth Fencing Championship, which is held in Newcastle, Australia, on November 12-19.

Eleven fencers will take part in this event from this club representing their own nations. They are all very close friends, training and competing together but in Australia they will stand both sides of the fencing post being from England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Beth Davidson, Chris Farren, Jenny Hutchison and Chris Buxton will be representing England.

Paul Devenney, David Jackson and Ellie Collier will wear Northern Ireland colours, while Stewart Watson, Caroline Stevenson, Janice Brisbane and Jenny Neil-McLachan will compete for Scotland.

"We expect to get medals in all six weapons," said Barry Flood, who runs the club that train at Gilesgate Comprehensive School and Sports College.

"Four years ago we only had two members taking part at the same events, which were held in Malaysia last time. So we're delighted."

Club Salle Jakab's Hungarian head coach, Laszlo Jakab, 53, said: "I think these boys and girls achievements have been outstanding."

* If you are interested in joining the club sessions are held every Tuesday evening from 7pm to 10pm at the Gilesgate Comprehensive School, Durham.