A GROUP of Thai boxing hopefuls are heading to their martial art's homeland in training for a major event.

The members of Darlington Boxing and Martial Arts Academy will leave for Thailand on Tuesday, next week, for 17 days.

There, some will fight while others will train in preparation for a show at Darlington's Dolphin Centre, on November 11, when England will take on Thailand in front of Sky Sports television cameras.

Among those travelling East will be Neil Walton who, at the Darlington event, will become the first police officer to fight for a major title in England.

Also on the trip from Darlington will be a European champion, Craig Shaw, and British championship holders Frederick Forrest and Paul Spinks.

Many of the fighters have received sponsorship from around the Darlington area to cover the costs of the trip.

Tickets for the November show are on sale at the Dolphin Centre, in the Market Place, and at the academy, in Albert Hill