TALENTED local boxer, Adam Arkell, is swapping his school books for his boxing gloves in September as he has been offered a place at Filton Sports Academy.

The 15-year-old has been granted leave at Dean Academy in Lydney to pursue a two year advanced apprenticeship in sporting excellence for elite boxers and all major sports. Since the age of seven, Adam has been a member of Lydney Boxing Club and has boxed for the club and Western Counties in schoolboy championships.

Adam was selected by Western Counties to go to the sports academy, which has helped famous world champion boxers such as Glenn Catley go on to succeed, after he boxed for the club two years ago.

Wayne Nyland, of Forest Fitness Gym in Lydney, has made Adam's dreams to become a professional boxer a reality after he offered to sponsor him.

Proud mum, Diane Arkell said: "This is great news for Adam and I am so happy for him. He has had such a tough two years since his dad sadly died and I was concerned when that happened that he would 'go off the rails' but instead he turned to the boxing ring.

"We are very fortunate that Wayne Nyland has offered to sponsor Adam. This will help fund the kit needed for the next year. I must also thank Bryan Higgs and Steve Brooks and the other coaches for their help and support."

But it won't be long until Adam returns to school as he plans to take three GCSEs in English, maths and BTEC sport.

Diane added: "He wants to get the most important GCSEs and ultimately teach other people sport. The course will provide Adam with not only a boxing qualification but he will be qualified to coach England squads, if he does well, as well as personally train people and deliver sports courses. His friends are so proud of him and he has everything that he wants to achieve mapped out. He says that once he has finished the course he would perhaps like to join the navy or army. This is a great chapter in Adam's life and I hope he does well."