BOXERS are on their way Down Under after raising more than £16,000 for an Australian tour.

Ten fighters and five officials from Spennymoor Boxing Academy will make the trip in September to Queensland and the Gold Coast.

This is the latest tour by the club, whose members have visited Canada three times, the US, New Zealand, Sweden, Norway and Ireland.

Coach Robbie Ellis said: "The squad is up for the challenge and is not travelling half way around the world to come second.

"We have been very busy since Christmas, raising funds for the tour and would like to publicly thank everyone who has contributed. When I formed the club in 1991, I promised our youngsters we would travel the world and this we have done.

"It's great to see youngsters get a chance to show their skills on the world scene.

"Some of our top boxers seem to be getting neglected by the England selectors at the moment, but tours like this certainly make up for it.

"I know the lads will be a credit to us all and do us proud Down Under."

The money raised has been allocated for travel costs and the club is now raising money for new kit. The club is holding a fundraising night at the Surtees Arms, Ferryhill, on August 26, from 7.30pm. To help with the kit appeal, call Mr Ellis on 07968 205043.