Milton Keynes martial arts school wins national award

And the coaches, who have have trained 1,500 novice boxers for Ultra White Collar Boxing, have been honoured with Training Location of the Year.

Tony Davis, who opened the training school 19 years ago, said: "It is a privilege to think that so many people voted for us. It was a surprise.

"It's lovely to know we have helped more than 1,000 people going through an experience that many people don't think they can do when they first start."

The 44-year-old, from Bletchley, Milton Keynes, added: "It's a bit of a stepping stone for some people to change their lifestyle."

Ultra White Collar Boxing participants raise cash for Cancer Research UK by taking part in eight weeks of free professional training before a bout with an opponent in front of hundreds of spectators.

Those taking part are asked to sell tickets for the show and raise at least £50 for the charity.

Father-of-two Tony, who runs the gym with 36-year-old fiancee Kelly Haynes, first signed his team up to train amateur boxers for fundraisers in 2014.

Since then, the coaches have trained up to 300 people each year.

Participants are put through their paces during the tough training sessions, learning everything they need to know before getting into the ring.

So far, Ultra Events, the company behind Ultra White Collar Boxing, has raised a staggering £20million for Cancer Research UK.

The next local Ultra White Collar Boxing event takes place on March 21 at Stadium MK.

Anyone thinking of signing up can visit here