A teenager from a Wantage traveller site, run by Oxfordshire County Council, is making big waves as a kick-boxer.

Jimmy Down, 15, (pictured) took up the sport 18 months ago when he enrolled at a kick-boxing club, based at Wantage Town Hall.

Since then he has been the talk of the local circuit, brushing aside opponents on his way to picking up nine tournament trophies.

With the help of his trainer Handle Cane, Down's goal is to become a future British and European champion, and he is now encouraging other young travellers to take up a physical sport.

Down said: "I first became interested in kick-boxing after watching the Ultimate Fighter on TV.

"I was impressed by the dedication and fitness of the athletes who took part in this sport and decided to enrol in a local club."

He added: "My younger brother, Michael, has followed in my footsteps, and he, too, has won all his fights."

Oxfordshire County Council's Gypsy and Traveller Service, which runs the site at East Challow, is working with families to encourage young people to get involved in extra-curricular activities.

Traveller site manager, Jeff Astbury, said: "It's fantastic to see Jimmy doing so well in his chosen sport and I'm sure his family and friends are extremely proud of him.

"We hope he can be an inspiration to other youngsters from Oxfordshire's gypsy and traveller communities."

Our picture shows Jimmy Down showing off his impressive haul of trophies.