A MEMORIAL Thai boxing event was held at the weekend in memory of a boxing champion who died in a motorcycle accident.

Lee Smith, 33, from Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, was killed when his motorbike hit a lamppost in the town on June 3.

Mr Smith had attended the King's Cobra Thai Boxing Club, in Newton Aycliffe, since he was 16.

He went on to win three British kick boxing titles and was fourth in the world championships.

About 800 people turned up for the memorial bouts, held at Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre on Sunday.

As well as many local clubs taking part in the match, boxers from the Sian Camp Thai Boxing Club, in Manchester, turned up to support the event and pay their respects.

Proceeds made from the event went to the Lee Smith Trust, which promotes Thai Boxing in the North-East.

The trust furthers the education and training of Thai boxing students by the provision of grants and donations to individuals, organisations and charities.

After 11 fights, the Lee Smith Memorial Shield was presented to Micky Richards, from the Phoenix Thai Boxing Club, based in Shildon, County Durham, by Mr Smith's parents, Anne and Brian.

A wide-screen television screen showing clips of Mr Smith taking part in various championship matches was shown during the bouts.

One of Mr Smith's closest friends, Lorraine Moore, 29, from Ferryhill, County Durham, organised the event.

She said: "I had been best friends with Lee for several years and just wanted to do something which I know he would have loved."

Mr Smith's older brother, Karl Smith, 41, who attended the bouts, said: "My parents and I are very grateful to Lorraine for organising this great event and I'm sure Lee will be looking down smiling because boxing was his passion.

"It is a very emotional day for us all."

Boxing master Sean Dooney, of King's Cobra Thai Boxing Club, coached Lee. He said: "Lee was one of the best sportsmen we have ever had at the club and he was like a family member to me. Everybody here loved him, which is why so many have turned up.

"His death is a very sad loss, but often the shortest candles give off the brightest light."