TULLIBODY student Lauren Arthur will be punching above her weight this weekend by taking part in a live boxing match for Cancer Research UK.

The 18-year-old has never boxed in her life, and will have had just eight weeks training when she starts trading punches with another equally inexperienced rookie.

The charity boxing match is being organised by Ultra White Collar Boxing with a crowd of several hundred people expected at Alloa Town Hall on Saturday evening.

However, Lauren has a secret weapon in her quest for success in the ring as she has been working as an intern with the Coalfields Regeneration Trust (CRT) alongside former professional boxer Gary Porter.

Gary had a distinguished career as an amateur, and fought professionally at welter and light middleweight for five years before retiring from the ring. He is now spearheading CRT Scotland’s Longannet Initiative.

Lauren said: “I got involved in this through my local gym, Smac which specialises in martial arts and fitness training. Taking part in a boxing bout in front of a live audience is really daunting, but I decided to give it a go.

“I’m pretty apprehensive, but having Gary around has boosted my confidence because he has been able to tell me what to expect and backed up my twice weekly training sessions at Smac with some really helpful advice.”

She added: “I keep getting asked what my mum and dad think of me boxing in this way. They are both fully supportive by my mum is very nervous at the thought of watching me in the ring."

Gary said: “Lauren has been training hard and I am sure she will do well. Good on her to find such an original way to raise cash for her favourite charity."

Anyone who wants to contribute to Lauren’s personal fundraising efforts can contact her at the Coalfields Regeneration Trust office on 01259 272127 or by calling Pauline Douglas, the CRT’s Head of Operations in Scotland on 07971 720 070.

Pauline, who will be at the event, said: “I am with Lauren’s Mum. Very proud of what she is doing but I will be watching through my fingers when she is fighting.”

Standing tickets for Saturday's event are priced from £20, with ringside tables for ten people available at £350.

To book a seat, visit the Event Brite website.

To donate to Lauren's Just Giving Page, head over to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Lauren-Arthur1