AN ANNUAL police boxing event involving officers, staff and Barry Island café manager Nino Zeraschi, has seen more than £18,500 raised for charities.

Each boxer raised money for their own individual charities, with Mr Zeraschi - who manages Marco’s Café - supporting the Children’s Hospital for Wales' Noah’s Ark Appeal, after his daughter, Olivia, received treatment there.

Barry Police Station front desk clerk Helena Morgan-Phillips also took part in the annual South Wales Police boxing contest - taking on police sergeant Rya Cowan in a well-fought bout.

A 400-strong crowd cheered on the 16 boxers, who are all police staff, other than Mr Zeraschi, at the Vale Resort, Hensol, on November 12.

Mr Zeraschi, who hopes to raise more than £1,700, said: "The night was awesome. The whole place chanted Nino. It was quite humbling.

"It was a once-in-a-life-time experience."

Event organiser PC Gareth Owens said: “All the boxers were superb on the night.

“They raised a staggering £10,800. The show itself was a huge success and after ticket sales, raffle and auction the amount raised will exceed £7,700. Put together with the Justgiving pages this will mean the show this year has raised over £18,500.

“Those who took part are all trained to a high level and are taught how to defend themselves at all times. They are taught how to box not how to fight.

“Blood, sweat and tears were shared on the night, and also in the 14 weeks training prior to the event. The boxers have given up their time, many travelling long distances to train, all in the name of raising money for charity and the local community.”

He said the honour of ‘bout of the night’ went to sgt Cowan and desk clerk Ms Morgan-Phillips.

PC Owens said: “They captured the true spirit of the show - two people who have given it their all, both with bloodied noses but at the end of it friends.”

‘Boxer of the night’ went to detective sergeant Dai Cole.

PC Owens added: “I could not be happier with the money raised from the show. I am even happier with the show of commitment, skill and true guts shown by all the participants. "There is nothing better than seeing individuals grow as people in the boxing ring. To be told by so many over the years that it is the best experience of their lives is reward enough. "I also think it is wonderful to see police officers and staff from South Wales Police give up their time in order to raise money for charity but also for the community they serve.”

The event, which began in 2008, has previously raised money for the Welsh guards Afghanistan appeal, Breast Cancer Care, and Ty Hafan.

It has raised more than £30,000 to date.