Spennymoor Boxing Academy flew out to the US in the early hours of Tuesday morning where they will take on the Chicago Golden Gloves boxing club.

Led by head coach Robbie Ellis and general secretary Paul Hodgson, the club have spent months arranging the trip which is costing £4,200 in total.

Although nothing has been formally arranged yet, it is hoped the Chicago club will pay a visit to Spennymoor sometime next year.

Hodgson said: "Chicago has a big boxing tradition and is known throughout the world, but I'm sure we can match them. We have a good reputation as well."

The globe-trotting club are also planning a boxing trip to Germany in February.

Pictured, from left to right, are Robbie Ellis (director of coaching), George Gallone, Sean Denham, Wayne Baister (Berties shopkeeper), Stuey McCrone, Kyle Ellis, Gary Reay, John Cadman, Nathan Ballan and Paul Hodgson (general secretary).

Picture: PAUL KINGSTO