A brother and sister from Harpenden who support young people learning judo have been nominated for an award which recognises young positive role models.

Bradley and Ellie Howell, of Broadstone Road have been practising judo since the age of five and after benefiting from the sport themselves they decided to help other young people.

Bradley, 15 and Ellie, 12 have been nominated for University of Hertfordshire Young People of the Year, which offers the winner a £800 prize, from a prize pot of £2,000.

The pair are members of St Albans Judo Club in Harpenden Road and dedicate time each week during term time and they also help out during the school holidays and at weekend events.

Bradley said: “When I was five mum and dad decided that they would like me to do a martial art so I could learn to protect myself in the future if I ever needed to.
 

“They took me to judo because it is all about self defence and I have been there ever since.

Bradley has been helping for the past five years and Ellie for the past three and they give up to two hours of their time per week to help others on top of the hours they spend on their own judo.

Bradley, who is a student at Sir John Lawes School, in Manland Way, is now regular assistant coach and has already completed and passed his coaching certificate.

He said: “Competing and coaching are two different things.
 

“When I am competing I am doing it for myself which is important but it is also very important to me to keep the spirit of judo going through younger generations.

“Coaching is very rewarding because it gives you a sense of happiness because you have been able to pass on something.
 

“I enjoy seeing the kids judo improving each week.”

His sister Ellie is a green belt with two blue tabs and Bradley is currently a green belt with two black tabs, meaning he will soon become a junior black belt which is the highest level for his age group.

Ellie, who also attends St John Lawes School, said: "When the younger ones have just started I help to show them how to be safe while doing judo.

“I teach them a couple of moves to get them started. For those who are more advanced I help them to improve their technique.

“I enjoy helping them get better at the sport I love and I like watching their progress.

" I still do my own judo which is more technical for about two or three hours a week."

Ellie got into the sport after watching her brother.
 

She said: “I really enjoyed it when I got the chance to try it.
 

“I like being able to see my progress as I am a bit of a perfectionist.
 

“When I start doing something I want to get it right.
 

“I enjoy judo and I wouldn¹t want to stop.”

The YOPEY contest was created by former national newspaper journalist Tony Gearing, to give younger generations a fairer image and encourage young people to give to the community.
 

YOPEY is searching for young heroes in and around Hertfordhsire and the Herts Young Person of the Year will win £800, with £400 for themselves and £400 for their good cause..
 

To nominate a young person for YOPEY, logon on to yopey.org or write to YOPEY, PO Box 236, Newmarket CB8 1DP for a paper entry form.