MOTOR mechanic Josh Holmes may have his head inside the engine of a car every day of the working week, but his dream is to become a professional boxer.

Josh, who works at Peter Watson in Skipton - he has just completed his apprenticeship - is the new Yorkshire Amateur Boxing Association lightweight champion.

He grabbed the title - and the Challenge belt - in the fight for the vacant belt in Hull.

The 19-year-old of Gaylands Lane, Earby, is now preparing to defend his title.

And to do that he is spending as much time as possible at his gym, Eastburn ABC, in Eastburn.

"It was the training which helped me take the title. I was just fitter than the other lad," said Josh.

"I expect to have to defend it for the first time most probably after Christmas.

"When I was younger I played football and rugby and then I got interested in boxing and thought I'd have a go.

"I asked my dad about it and he and my mum have always been supportive and proud of what I'm doing."

His father and mother, Matthew and Charlotte, accompany him to fights, although his mum at first was a bit anxious, said Josh.