BOXING champions from past and present are destined never to meet after the latest attempt to get together was marred by an emergency.

Firefighter Andrew Ellison, the 1979 national title-holder from Shildon Boxing Club, was about to shake hands with the current champ Thomas Hallimond, when a 999 call came in.

Mr Ellison, 38, was the club's first national champion, and trainer John Heighington was hoping to mark his achievement by getting 12-year-old Thomas to present him with an award.

Mr Heighington, 63, said: "We keep arranging to hand over a commemorative plaque as he is the first national champion of the Shildon boxing team, but he keeps being called away.

"He hasn't had chance to meet the current champion."

Thomas, of Coronation, near Bishop Auckland, has been interested in boxing since the age of eight after he saw his father box and has improved his form with regular training at the club, which is based at the Railway Institute in Shildon.

Thomas said: "At the moment it is just a hobby but I want to go from strength to strength."

The Shildon Boxing Club is the second oldest boxing club in Britain and Mr Heighington said he feels proud to have trained so many champions.

Shildon town mayor, Gary Huntington, was also present to show his support for the club.

He said: "The club teaches the young discipline, it keeps them from the streets.

"It has done so much for the community and its youngsters.

"It is a shame the two champions couldn't meet, but obviously the emergency had to take priority."