A TEAM of boxers from Down Under has left the sunny southern hemisphere for a week-long exchange trip with a County Durham club.

Spennymoor Boxing Academy will extend a warm welcome to the party of 16 - ten boxers and six coaches and supporters - during the British leg of the exchange.

The clubs have paired up boxers from their squads to step into the ring against each other in a sell-out show at Spennymoor Leisure Centre tomorrow night.

The Australian squad will visit some of the region's visitor attractions and share training tips.

Coach Robert Ellis said: "Exchange trips have become a regular event for the club, but every time is a great experience for the boxers and supporters we take.

"A club is not going to travel from Australia just for the sake of it.

"They are a good club and the boxers will fight well, which gives our lads really valuable experience."

The return journey will probably take place next year.