TALENTED young boxer Jamie Jacobs begins his quest for a National Schools title on Saturday.

Jamie, 15, from Erith, hopes to clear the first round of the title chase in the South-east London Schools Champion-ships at New Addington. He will have to win through several rounds to reach the final.

Twice a winner in the same event, Jamie is also the current South-east England School champion at 42kg.

A member of the Danson Youth Boxing Club based in Brampton Road, Jamie recently fought in the finals of the National Association of Boxing Clubs in Peterlee, County Durham.

He got off to a slow start against Merseyside-based Michael Robinson but he was not disgraced in defeat, losing on points against a vastly more experienced opponent who also earned the award as the "Best stylist" of the competition.

Jamies coach, John Gristey, said: "He did really well considering that Robinson was having his 42nd bout. Jamie had only had 19 and has won 11 of them.

"It was great to see 10 bouts between the best 15-year-old boxers in the UK. There were no standing counts, stoppages or public warnings and the lads were a credit to amateur boxing."

Jamie, a pupil at Trinity School, in Belvedere, and a dedicated Arsenal fan, loves boxing. He said: "I was persuaded to have a go by my grandfather, because other members of the family had done quite well in the ring. I just hope I can go on and win the title."

Jamie trains most nights and, although his school does not cater for boxing, he also keeps himself fit by swimming and cross-country running.

Mr Gristey added: "Everyone at the club is very proud of Jamie. He is an exciting young talent."

Anybody interested in finding out more about Danson Youth Boxing Club can Mr Gristey on 0208 856 9633. Training sessions are held every Tuesday and Thursday in the Danson Youth Community Centre, Brampton Road, Bexleyheath.

The 9-11 year-old sessions are from 5.30-6.30pm with older groups from 6.30 to 8.30pm.