A TEAM of martial arts fighters who were among the first Britons to compete in front of the king of Thailand have invited two Thai boxers to their gym.

Michael Dicks, one of Europe's leading Thai boxing stars, was a convincing winner in his bout organised to celebrate King Bhumibol's birthday.

He was part of a five-strong team from Darlington Boxing and Martial Arts Academy at the event.

They spent three weeks in Thailand with the highlight being Mr Dicks' fight in front of 300,000 fight fans and King Bhumibol in the Sanam Luang, a field next to the king's grand palace in Bangkok.

Mr Dicks' fight was an exhibition match against Thai-based US fighter Kevin Ross during an eight-man tournament.

He won every round on his way to victory.

Trainer Paul Hamilton, who led the team, said: "It is a big honour. For Michael's fight there were 300,000 people there. It was the biggest fight show in history.

"Michael fought the American champion who has been based in Thailand and had eight fights in the run-up to the bout.

"Michael won every round and won his fight easily."

Other fighters from the Darlington gym who were part of the British team at the event were Terry Anderson, David Cuncliffe, James Ryder and Lancha Green.

Members of the team also came from Liverpool, Manchester and Carlisle. More than 3,000 fighters from 111 countries took part.

The tournament was held over ten days but the team also had chance to take part in training sessions and visit other parts of the South-East Asian country.

Mr Hamilton said: "It was all on a big screen outside the king's palace. Everyone turned round, the lights went off and they sang happy birthday.

"It was amazing to see and great to be part of it. Taking fighters out there has put Darlington on the map."

Following the competition, the team have now invited two Thai fighters for a return visit in February to train with them for a month.

Mr Hamilton said: "They have got 400 fights between them. It will bring a different set of skills for us."