HEREFORD kick-boxer Jamie Combe has been included in the England squad for the Amateur World Championships in Lloret de Mar, Spain at the end of next month.

The 19-year-old blue belt has been a member at Hereford Kickboxing Academy for three years.

"Through my achievements and all the success I have had I thought that it was time to increase the challenge," he said. "So I went along to the International Sport Kickboxing Association England squad selection trials in Stockland Green, Birmingham in January.

"I knew from the off that it wasn’t going to be a walk through but it wasn’t what I was expecting at all.

"When we sat down for a short briefing before the trial began I was not expecting to be doing an hour of fitness, an hour of techniques and then finally an hour of sparring.

"I put myself forward for the light continuous category and along with roughly 30 other people adults and children the trial began.

"The fitness was hard but definitely worth it even if I was aching for 3 days after. The technique section involved a range of punching and kicking techniques as well as defensive techniques to avoid being hit by your opponent. Finally the sparring involved one fight with an opponent of similar stature to myself of which the result being a draw.

"I have won numerous tournaments and achievements through HKA and with the help of the coaches this is my finest achievement.

"This is a massive opportunity for me."

The championships take place from April 30 to May 4.