WHEN Dundalk Chamber of Commerce sent out a e-mail inviting 'gentlemen' to attend an information evening on White Collar Boxing, local businesswoman Alicia Grills Grant sent a reply wondering if 'ladies' could go along as well.

As a result, she found herself signed up to take part in the Strictly Come Boxing competition in the Fairways Hotel on March 12th.

Alicia is one of just six women who are taking part in the contest and so far she is enjoying every minute of the training.

'We train at the Dun Dealgan Boxing Club two nights a week and they are just great,' she says.

Although she is fairly fit already as she does aerobics and running, Alicia says boxing is very demanding.

'It's amazing how fit you have to be for boxing as you have to be extremely fast on your feet.'

In addition to attending the training sessions at Dun Dealgan, Alicia has stepped up her own training at JJB and has a lso signed up for the Boxercise classes at Dun Dealgan.

She is really enjoying the whole training experience. 'It's great craic. There's a real team spirit as we are all doing it together but it's also very competitive even if it's only for fun.'

The competition is being held in aid of the Alzheimers Birches Day Care Centre and Alicia says that most of the competitors are also raising funds for the charity.

She has come up with the novel idea of auctioning o f f h e r cheeks (no, not the ones on her face). 'I've already got sponsorship for one cheek and am looking for money for the other. So if any business out there wants their logo on my shorts on the night they should get in touch with me!'

Alicia can be contacted at The Rug Gallery, 9329851.