HAVING fought his way to taking the International Kickboxing Federation British lightweight title this month, a Bere Alston man was then 'knocked out' by the response from young pupils of his former school.

Rob Hingston, who teaches kickboxing at Tavistock College, outpointed Richard Hines at the Circus Tavern in Purfleet, Essex, to add the British title to those of his South West and English lightweight crowns.

It was a great reward for the 30 year-old who had trained hard for the biggest fight of his career and had a previous professional record of eleven wins and three defeats going into the title decider.

He told the Times: 'To be honest, it's all a bit of a blur. I admit I was a bit nervous leading up to the fight, especially after all the training I put in. But my opponent played it very cagey as he knew of my reputation of having a very hard, right hand — so he tried to tire me out, but that's where my fitness paid off. Now I have the British title I'm over the moon.'

Judges made him the unanimous winner.

But there was more to follow — his proud mother, Glyn, had a great surprise for him when he came back to his home village.

Glyn, who has worked as a dinner lady at Bere Alston Primary for more than 25 years, and Rob's former teacher and now its headteacher, Kim Wild, invited Rob along to the school to share his success with the pupils.

Rob, who last year ran in the London Marathon to raise more than £500 for his former school and £750 for CLIC, said: 'The children made me some special cards congratulating me on my success in the kickboxing — I must have had about 30 cards altogether.

'I was well chuffed and I could see mum had a little tear in her eye. It was brilliant.'

The fighter, who trains at Taurus Gym in Plymouth, also thanked the club's owner Jimmy Hamilton for his great support.

Rob runs a kickboxing class on Monday evenings at Tavistock College between 8pm-10pm. For more details call him on 07877 866512 or contact the sports department on 01822 813238.