TWO Darlington Muay Thai boxers have jumped into the top ten of their respective national rankings.

Claire Darbyshire and Mandy Stainthorp, members of Darlington's Team Hanuman Kickboxing Club, are both new entries.

Mandy came in at fourth position in the lightweight division. Claire was placed seventh in the middleweight division in the latest rankings, released on February 5.

The pair compete in events around the country, particularly across the North of England, to pick up points by fighting individual bouts.

Mandy, 25, has also appealed against a points decision loss for the Counties Championship title.

Although both are new entries into the Amateur Kickboxing Association rankings, they took up the sport about 18 months ago.

Claire said: "It is great to get in. When I saw the rankings, I thought it was great."

The club has been in Darlington for about 25 years and moved to its new home in Temperance Place last year.

Up to 70 athletes attend over three different nights.

Instructor Craig Willis said: "It is not here purely for the fighting. There is something for everyone.

"The thing that pushes it on is the family atmosphere. People help each other on."