TENBURY and Ludlow will get international recognition at a major sporting attraction being staged at Villa Park in Birmingham.

Boxers from the two towns will feature at an evening of Amateur Boxing being staged in the Holte Suite at the ground.

One of the co-organisers of the event is Paddy Brennan, who runs the Bluestone Academy at Bleathwood, between Ludlow and Tenbury.

Young boxers from the two towns and the surrounding area will take on a team from Ireland in a match that will include 16 bouts.

Elizabeth Williams, from Tenbury, will take part in the single women’s bout on the card that will also see local boy Ollie Jones, aged 13, make his debut.

Six hundred guests will enjoy a meal before the boxing begins and with seats still available it is hoped that people from Ludlow and Tenbury will take the chance to have an evening out supporting local athletes. Mr Brennan is keen that the event, although in Birmingham, will help to raise the profile of Tenbury and Ludlow. The boxers from Ireland, as well as support staff and supporters, will be spending time in and around Tenbury and Ludlow.

“My hope is that these events will encourage people to visit our area and put money into the pockets of local shop owners, pubs, bed and breakfast and hotels,” said Mr Brennan

The size of the event means that a major venue like Villa Park has to be used but it is hoped that in future a match can be organised in either Tenbury or Ludlow. Mr Brennan says that he is on the lookout for suitable venues. Tickets for the event on Friday, February 1, starting at 7pm are £60 for the meal and the boxing from the Bluestone Centre.