FIVE talented boxers hope to be the first females to represent their club in a high-profile competition in Ireland.

Four juniors and a senior from Spennymoor Boxing Academy hope to compete in the Esker All Female Box Cup in Dublin, in October.

Carmel Carey, Macy Gallone, Olivia Turnbull, Aislinn Paley and Amy Aspinall all started their boxing careers at female fitness classes with the club.

They later stepped into the ring and now form the club's first squad of carded female boxers, which officials hope will continue to grow and enjoy successful competition.

Director of coaching Robert Ellis said: "This will be the first time we've sent girls to it.

"It is a great competition to be part of with 600 girls from all over Europe competing and if they win on the Saturday they fight again on the Sunday with the chance to win gold medals."

To help the team get to Ireland, the club hopes to raise around £2,000 towards travel, accommodation, food costs and entry fees.

Local businesses have already sponsored the girls and a boxing demonstration and raffle will be held at The Grand Electric Hall tomorrow.

Mr Ellis: "The female boxers are doing well, it has really taken off in Britain the last couple of years and I have high hopes of success for Spennymoor this year and in future. We're looking for sponsors, if we cannot afford to take them it is a life opportunity missed."

Donations can be made at the pub event, to Mr Ellis on 07968-205043 or via Spennymoor Boxing Academy's Facebook page.