A BIRTHDAY girl punched above her weight during her birthday celebrations at a fun new boxing club in Clacton.

Hailie Fenech pulled no punches as she squared up to Lee Barrett, of Clacton charity Inclusion Ventures, on her 11th birthday.

But there were no tears as it was all part of fun initiative for youngsters to give them the chance to learn basic boxing techniques – with no physical contact allowed.

Mr Barrett, who takes the sessions, said they are chance to improve fitness and enhance confidence while picking up a few basic skills and techniques.

“They are not permitted to fight each other and the only punch they throw is at the boxing pads,” he said.

The sessions run every Wednesday in August from 2pm to 3pm at Legerton Drive Playing Fields for boys and girls aged from 11 up to 18, free of charge.