RHYS Handel retained his Hermee Cup International Judo crown with gold in Belgium this month.

The 12 year old Welshpool High School student travelled to Liege as part of a 30 strong Welsh squad for the sixth annual Hermee Cup and returned home with a gold medal for a second year in succession.

Handel is a product of the Welshpool and Llanfyllin based AJ Judo Club.