GALASHIELS can boast two new European champions following the martial arts championships at the weekend.

Competing for the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu titles and gold medals were brothers Max and Lex Rogerson.

The Galashiels Academy pupils, who train every Wednesday and Friday at the Training Station in Tweedbank, faced the best competitors from around the continent.

On Saturday 15-year-old Lex claimed the 55-kilogramme Gi men's title after 4-2 and 3-0 victories - the first time either brother had won a Gi competition.

In Sunday's No Gi competitions, 17-year-old Max forced a submission by triangle-choke from the hotly fancied Irish competitor to reach the final of the 63-kilogramme weight division.

Against Merseyside's Sam Lynch, Max produced the fight of the entire championships.

From an almost unwinnable position, 4-0 down, locked into a mounted triangle choke and struggling for breath, Max looked beaten.

Despite being close to submitting and with only one minute remaining on the clock, the teenager somehow managed to escape, reverse the position and gain full back control which resulted in a truly amazing comeback and 6-4 points win to take the European gold.

It was a final conducted in fantastic spirit with both competitors embracing at the end of an exhausting battle.

Over at the other side of the hall, younger brother Lex was having it somewhat easier with a 19-0 semi final win to reach his second gold medal showdown of the weekend.

In the final the 15-year-old retained his undefeated status in No Gi competition, which now includes the Grand Slam of UK, European and World junior titles, by forcing an Armbar submission for gold.

For anyone interested in learning and potentially competing in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, classes take place at The Training Station in Tweedbank on Wednesday and Friday evenings from 8pm to 9pm with Kevin Hamilton.

Borders Brazilian Jiu Jitsu are currently taking on new students and anyone interested can get more details from Kevin on 07833 448839.