SOME sharp punches and plenty of North-East hospitality helped a group of American boxers feel at home during an exchange trip.
Members of the Chicago Golden Gloves club spent five days in the North-East after an invitation from Spennymoor Boxing Academy, whose members had travelled to Chicago in December last year.
Last week the club repaid the compliment, and on Wednesday a group of 13 boxers and their relatives arrived in Spennymoor.
They stayed in the Whitworth Hall Hotel, attended a civic reception hosted by Spennymoor Town Council, had lunch with Durham County Council dignitaries at County Hall and visited Beamish Museum and Durham Cathedral.
On Saturday, some watched Newcastle United play at St James' Park, while others watched the horse racing at Sedgefield Racecourse.
But for many the highlight of the trip was a sell-out Spennymoor versus Chicago boxing match on Friday, which ended in a three-all draw.
Secretary Paul Hodgson said: "They liked the hospitality of the North-East and have definitely enjoyed the trip."
The group are due to fly back home today.
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