On Sunday, young members of Wymondham Judo Club took time out from training and competing to raise over �800 for the club's new permanent home in Silfield.

The event, kindly hosted by Waitrose at Wymondham, saw the youngsters packing bags for the stores' customers whilst the club took the opportunity to display the plans for its new venue.

Opening in January 2011, the Wymondham Martial Arts and Wellbeing Centre will allow the judo club to expand train four nights a week and Saturday afternoons, and will enable it to advertise publicly for beginners for the first time in seven years.

Several beginners' courses will start in January for youngsters age four upwards, including adults and a women-only class.

The venue, run as a not-for-profit charity, will provide the opportunity for several other martial arts to train in a purpose-built environment, and already serious interest has been shown from karate, kung fu, aikido, tai chi, bujutsu and other clubs.

In addition, the hall will cater for a variety of Wellbeing activities such as fitness, pilates, healing, ante-natal, yoga and meditation.

Chris Claydon, one of Wymondham Judo Club's coaches and project lead for the new centre, said: 'We are incredibly grateful to Waitrose for allowing us the opportunity to help raise funds for our project. We're taking on an industrial unit and have to make some internal changes before it is ready to run as a full Martial Arts and Wellbeing Centre. The effort of all our youngsters and supporters, along with the generosity and kindness of the Waitrose shoppers, meant that our task will be made considerably easier. We sincerely thank them all.'

Once completed – anticipated to be March/April – the centre at Phillip Ford Way will have three large halls available for hire (two permanently matted), a smaller hall, and a therapy room for qualified therapists from various fields to use. The centre will have a spacious reception area, along with changing and shower facilities.

Further details about Wymondham Martial Arts and Wellbeing Centre or the beginners' courses for Wymondham Judo Club can be obtained from Chris Claydon on 01953 604385, wmaawc@yahoo.co.uk or via www.wymondhamjudoclub.co.uk.