Darlington Boxing and Martial Arts Academy is gearing up for it's biggest ever event when they hold and England versus Thailand kick-boxing show later this month.

After five months of preparations the event, taking place on November 11 at the town's Dolphin Centre, is expected to see some top class bouts with full Thai rules being used while a capacity crowd is anticipated.

There will be 15 bouts in all, three of those being title fights and three others will be England against Thailand.

The Darlington club, with a total of 11 different belts won by various members, boats some of the country's best fighters and will be on show at the event.

Craig Shaw, four times British and European Champion, Paul Spinks, three times British Champion and rated number one in Europe, Stu Bell, Commonwealth champion and rated number one in England and Kurt Forrest, ex-European champion and also rated number one in the country, are all on the bill and will be looking to impress their hometown audience.

In preparation for the Darlington event, three of the club's members, Shaw, Bell and Forrest flew to Thailand last month where they faced some tough opposition. Shaw and Bell both won convincingly although Forrest was held to a draw.

Sky Sports are to record the show and it will be screened in December.

The Thais, widely-respected as being the world's best exponents of kick-boxing, will be a tough test for the Darlington fighters, so the club's head coach, Paul Hamilton, who is also the England coach, is calling for the town to get behind his proteges.

There are a limited number of tickets remaining, which are available from the Dolphin Centre reception or by calling (01325) 369655.

They're priced at £10 adults, (£14 on the door), Under-15s £7 (£10 on the door), OAPs £6 (£8 on the door), VIP tables of ten with waitress service are priced £20 per ticket. Doors open at 4pm.