A BOXING academy is looking for new talent - including females keen to emulate the success of women's world champion Jane Couch.

Spaniorium Farm Gym at Compton Greenfield is inviting budding pugilists, male and female, to a trials and assessment day on Sunday, March 9 in a bid to boost its roll call of successful fighters - Jane among them.

"We want to meet active or potential boxers, show them what we have to offer and what the sport can do for them," said coach Tex Woodward, who has run the gym in Berwick Lane for more than 30 years.

"The trial day is open to anyone, including young people who might not know much about the sport but could be interested in finding out more.

"Jane Couch, a five times World Title champion and also a licensed promoter, will be here to give professional advice and although we're not expecting a queue of females it would be nice to find someone keen to take on her mantle.

"We're sure there's plenty of undiscovered talent out there. We're here to encourage people to try the sport and help them further their boxing ability."

Tex, a British Boxing Board of Control licensed trainer/manager who has been involved with the sport, both in and out of the ring, for more than 50 years, said the gym could already boast a string of successful boxers, both amateur and professional.

"We're a well established and respected training quarters with a good track record," he said. "One of our top professionals at the moment is Danny Butler, current British Masters Light Middleweight champion and other names people might recognise include Chris Long, Danny Gwylim and Rob Boardman. We also have some good amateurs.

"It's a big gym with three rings and all the necessary training facilities."

For more details of the trials day, for which attendance and assessment certificates will be issued, call Tex Woodward at the gym on 01454 632448.