A KICKBOXING competition is being held at a north Durham theatre over the weekend.

Members of the Martial Arts and Sports Activities Centre are preparing for their fights on Sunday.

The Kickboxing Championship is being held at the Lamplight Arts Centre, in Stanley.

Wesley Fagin, 25, from Dipton, hopes to settle an old score with London fighter Sukhy Shaw, 24, after the pair drew in their last bout.

Five-times world junior champion Jamie Bates, 17, from Lanchester, is taking part in his second full contact fight against Gerald Malone, 18, from Ireland.

Brownbelts Taylor Hunt, ten, from Tanfield Lea, and John Wilson, 13, from New Kyo, will also be competing, along with Andrew Harris, 14, from Catchgate.

Geoff Bates, head coach at the Clavering Youth Clubs, in Annfield Plain where they train, said: "We look after the kids very well to make sure they do not get hurt.

"They have good quality head-guards and gloves, as well as pad for their shins and proper boots.

"They really enjoy it and so do the parents who come along to watch."

Doors open at 5pm and the first of 12 bouts is expected to start at 6pm.

Tickets cost £15 for adults and £12 for children under 16.