Skelley became Britain’s first IBSA European champion in four years at the University of Wolverhampton Sports Complex after Sam Ingram won gold in 2013.

He had previously won bronze at the 2015 European Championships in Portugal, but was victorious today against Russian Malik Kurbanov in the final of the men's 100 kilograms competition.

With just under two minutes remaining, Skelley was finally able to throw Kurbanov for ippon.

“Absolutely incredible," said Skelley.

"I was just saying it’s a mix of emotions.

"You want to cry and be happy at the same time but I’m just in shock.

"We put all the hard work in and effort."

Azerbaijan’s Ilham Zakiyev claimed a seventh successive European title in the men’s over-100kg division.

The world number two and two-time Paralympic champion was scheduled to face Russia’s Gaidar Gaidarov in the final, but he was unable to compete after picking up an injury in an earlier round, handing Zakiyev another continental title.

There was further success for Azerbaijan as 19-year-old Sevda Valiyeva pinned down Ukraine’s Liudmyla Lohatska in the final of the 52kg category to win her first European title with an ippon finish.

Rovshan Safarov also won gold with an ippon in the men’s 90kg category final against France’s Helios Latchoumanaya.

Azerbaijan’s fourth gold medal of the day was won by Khanim Huseynova in the women’s 63kg.

Huseynova beat Spain’s Marta Arce Payno in the final.

The championships are scheduled to conclude tomorrow.