THAI boxing instructor Richard Lewis was spotted on the 'Reverend Bob's Modified Car Show,' on Satellite TV's 'Men and Motors' channel, and it has led to a Channel 4 documentary being made on the 30-year-old Whitefield man and the sport he loves.

The programme is due to be aired in March: "It's a good opportunity to give it some national coverage," said Richard.

"Most people just see the ring sport version, but I also teach the martial arts version, and at the club we cater for everyone, whether it's people who want to be instructors themselves, competitive fighters or who just want to get fit and improve their self-confidence.

"In fact, the involvement with the Reverend Bob showed came about because the presenter, Bob Hallam, is a Ramsbottom lad and he is a friend of one of my pupils and he wanted to feature the sport in his show."

Richard, who is the current SIMTA British Lightweight champion, has also held a number of other titles, including the SIMTA North West Lightweight, the Northern Area Lightweight and British Freestyle Lightweight titles.

He holds his classes at Whitefield's Bodytalks Gym, from Monday to Saturday, 6.30pm to 8.30pm, costing just £4 per session.

Among his pupils are eight-year-old's Jonathan Hadfield and Connor Umney; seven-year-old Jordan Kay; and Sarah Mulrooney, who recently competed for the first time in an inter-club tournament.

Another pupil, 27-year-old Steven Rogerson, is in training for the Wako-Pro North West Light-middleweight championship, being held on May 22.

While 21-one-year-old Beckie Berry, who is the current Wako-Pro Northern Area junior champion, will be fighting for the SIMTA British Ladies Flyweight title on February 29, in Stockport.