ONE of Britain's best young boxers is learning how to deliver an upper cut of a different kind.

Mathew 'Buster' Mallin will combine training at the National Boxing Academy while brushing up on his hairdressing skills.

Mathew, of Hoyle Mill Road, Stairfoot is one of 18 young boxers to earn a place at the elite centre in Durham.

During the two-year placement the former national schoolboy champion, who is aged 15, will complete an NVQ in hairdressing he started at Priory School.

The Hoyle Mill Amateur Boxing Club member said: "I did some work experience at Fruit and Dimensions hairdressers in the town centre while at school and I loved it. If the boxing doesn't come off that is what I'd like to do."

But first Mathew is determined to give boxing his best shot.

He added: "This means everything to me. I couldn't believe it when I found out I'd been accepted."

His mates haven't been too keen to take the mick about the back-up career. "My trainer gives me some stick ," he added. " But no-one else is bothered."

Dad Paul said: "He told me his dream is to earn enough money boxing to open a barbers. We hope he makes it but things can go wrong in sport so it is important he has a skill to back him up. I am the proudest dad in the world because he has made a lot of sacrifices."