THE family of Commonwealth gold medallist judo ace Chris Sherrington has expressed their pride at his triumph in Glasgow.

Billinger Sherrington, who is also a Royal Marine, won the gold medal in the men’s heavyweight 100kg+ event at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre Precinct in Glasgow.

And, despite representing Scotland in the Games, Sherrington was raised in the town before moving to join the Marines at 17.

Having previously lived in Rainford and Moss Bank during his childhoo,d his family then moved to Billinge with Chris attending Billinge Chapel End Primary School before going to Upholland High and St Helens College.

Chris, who also played rugby at Orrell, then decided to join the Marines and served in Iraq. He took up up judo through his involvement with the Marines at 21. His achievement has been celebrated by family and friends in his hometown.

“We’re absolutely thrilled, this is without doubt one of his greatest achievements,” said father Wally, who lives in Billinge.

“He’s done extremely well with his judo and has come on leaps and bounds over the last couple of years.

“This is a result of all that hard work and effort.”

The victory helps make amends for Sherrington’s Olympic heartbreak at London 2012 when he was pipped by legendary Russian fighter Alexander Mikhaylin in the second round.

Sherrington believes victory that day would have earned him a place in the final in London.

However, it was a different story in Glasgow when he defeated South African Ruan Snyman in the final with a dominant performance in which he threw his opponent for two waza-ari scores.

“It was absolutely fantastic standing on the podium, that was one of the highlights,” Sherrington, who now lives in West Lothian, told the Star.

“There were some armed forces personnel there to see me and it was great to have them there and my parents watching back in St Helens.

“It’s nice to give something back to judo after what it’s done for me.

“It was just absolutely spectacular and a great way to end the day and it was especially nice to have it so close to where I live.

“I may return to the marines now. I’ll be having a talk with my manager about the future,” added the 30-year-old.