CHAMPION Thai boxers from Trimdon will be taking part in a celebration of Thai culture tomorrow.

The charitable event, organised by the Thai Trade and Cultural Organisation, will be held at the Ramside Hotel, on the outskirts of Durham.

The event starts at 7pm with an address by the Minister Counsellor of the Royal Thai Embassy, Wiwat Chaowanich.

That will be followed by a speech from Kriangsak Sirisambhand, president of the Thai Cultural Forum UK.

Demonstrations of Muay Thai, a form of Thai boxing, Krabi Krabong, a type of sword fighting, and Thai classical dance will follow at 7.45pm.

A number of the demonstrators will be from Trimdon Village, including five-times British champions Gary McAllister and Lee Smith.

With clubmate Nick Hands, they have been invited to compete at the World Muay Thai championships in Thailand, in March.

The Trimdon club is gaining an international reputation and discussions are under way to establish a Thai Cultural College in the area.

Instructor Sean Dooney said: "I'm quite excited that we're getting these young people from the area recognised worldwide."

The evening will conclude with a performance from Thai artists and singers.

The event will raise funds for the Ratanagiri Harnham Buddhist Monastery, in Northumberland