Trainer Tom gets in the ring

The head trainer from the region's leading health club has signed up to the Zero to Hero boxing challenge.

Tom Horton (30) who lives in Yatton has now embarked on a 10-week training programme that will culminate in him taking part in his first fight on 23 March in Bristol.

Tom, who works at theclub, Cadbury House in Congresbury in North Somerset, is now making the most of the health club's facilities which he hopes will give him an advantage as he prepares for the big night.

The Zero to Hero signs up people from all walks of life taking them through an intense 10-week training programme. They are then 'matched' against people of similar ability, weight and height culminating in a fight-night extravaganza which is taking place at the City Academy.

The training is overseen by experts from the boxing and martial art scene including Jake O'Hagen and Andy Cleeves.

Tom said: "I've never done anything like this before so it's quite a challenge but I'm looking forward to getting through the 10 week programme.

"I often take the boxercise classes here at the health club so I'm sure many of the members here will be interested to see how I get on. Usually I'm the one giving out the instructions so I imagine there will be a lot of wry smiles as I get a taste of my own medicine.

"Considering I'm a fitness instructor and take the boxercise classes, many will expect me to do quite well so the pressure is on!

"I'll also include some of the things I learn into the programmes here at the club so the members will probably benefit in the long run."