British Judo have announced that IJF A Dave Stanley from Swanley, has been selected to referee at the 2012 London Paralympic Games.

The highly-respected judo stalwart, who was the Head Referee for the 2011 Visually Impaired European Championships in Crawley, took charge at the 2004 Paralympics in Athens and was a reserve four years later in Beijing.

“I found out on Christmas day in an email from the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) which was a very special surprise,” said the 6th Dan, who has been an International Judo Federation referee for 23 years.

“I’m delighted to be selected, it was a total relief to receive the news; it’s a four-year cycle for referees and works similarly to how the players vie for selection.

“I’ve had a lot of support from my colleagues and British Judo and without them this wouldn’t have been possible.”

Dave will be one of 12 judo referee’s at the Paralympic Games and one of six selected from Europe.

National Refereeing Commission Chairman Reuben Davison said: “We’re absolutely delighted that Dave has been selected, it’s great news for British Judo and we know he’ll do an excellent job in London.”

British Judo Chairman Densign White said: “We’re absolutely thrilled by news of Dave Stanley’s selection, it’s very well deserved and he’ll be a fantastic representative for the Association.”