A female national champion boxer took over a local club to teach members essential skills for the ring.

Rachel Bower, a Met police detective by day, is the Elite English boxing national champion and is currently competing in the World Police and Fire Games in Washington DC against boxers from all over the world.

Wimbledon Times:

Rachel Bower with members of the Wimbledon Kickboxing and Boxing Club

She took time out of her busy schedule to visit the Wimbledon Kickboxing and Boxing Club based in the Wimbledon Park pavilion, to encourage more women into the sport.

About 30 boxers, both male and female, took part in the session, which included foot work techniques, avoiding punches and general fitness exercises.

Mrs Bower said: "I wasn’t expecting so many people - it was good to see so many there.

"I enjoyed it, it was a really good atmosphere.

"I was impressed by everyone’s fitness levels."

Didi Ferguson, an instructor and joint owner of the club, said: "Rachel's lesson was fantastic, we had great feedback from our students about how much they enjoyed her class."

Classes at the club are being held as normal during the Wimbledon championships fortnight, although the Revelstoke Road car park is closed so people are urged to use surrounding residential roads where restrictions allow, or public transport instead.

The boxing skills workshop took place on Monday, June 22.