A MUAY Thai boxer is to undertake his instructor's certificate with the Thai government.

James Land, 33, from Newton Aycliffe, will visit Bangkok and Pattaya, in Thailand, later this year.

During his visit, he will study a range of different aspects of the discipline, including weaponry and Thai cuisine.

He will then go before a panel of nine masters and grand masters made up of Thai government and sporting officials.

Mr Land trains with the King's Cobra club, which has classes in Newton Aycliffe and Spennymoor.

Instructor Sean Dooney said: "Last year, about 50 per cent of the British team was from the club and we are hoping for a similar figure this year.

"But we still need more instructors. This is the first time the course has been certified by the Thai government so it's great for James and the club."

Mr Land, who was recently received his Iraq service medal from the Durham Light Infantry Territorial Army, said he is looking forward to teaching the sport.

"It's not just about training for fighting," he added.

"We aim to teach martial arts as a lifestyle and try to bring in the health side of it."