A BOXING match between firefighters and police raised more than £12,000 for charity.

Jane Couch, pictured, and Richie Woodhall were among those supporting the contest at the Bristol Marriot hotel. The battle of the blue lights saw staff from Avon Fire and Rescue take to the ring against Avon and Somerset Police. It was the second time amateur boxers from the services have gone head to head to raise money for the Fire Fighters Charity, the Police Benevolent Fund and the Riverside Youth Project.

Through ticket sales and a charity auction more than £12,000 was raised, which will be divided between the three charities. Avon Fire and Rescue Service, station manager, Derrick Hone, who organised the event, said: "The evening was a great success and I'd like to thank all those involved in organising and supporting the event. Once again everyone who attended was incredibly generous and helped us to raise a fantastic amount of money for three really great causes.

"Without the support of chief fire officer Kevin Pearson, the Lord Mayor of Bristol Geoff Gollop, Bath and England Rugby star Jeremy Guscott, super middleweight world champion boxer Richie Woodhall and Bristol-based female boxer Jane Couch we would not be able to put on such a successful event."