A former world Thai boxing champion has broken a Guinness World Record.

Nicola Ireland kicked 64 items off people's heads in just one minute.

The mum-of-two has had a successful career in Thai boxing with British, European and world titles under her belt.

She bagged her latest victory at Ironworks Gym in Maidstone – knocking boxing gloves off the heads of fellow members.

"I was very calm and focused during the attempt. I was very keen to get it done," she said.

"I was just thinking about the rhythm of the kicks like I had practised in training and was trying to keep the continuity going and hoping the glove holders would get the gloves back on their heads in time for me."

Nicola had already kicked 61 off in a minute during practice but wanted to challenge herself more during the official challenge, recording a total of 64 gloves – the previous official record was 59.

She said: "I broke the record on the warm-up attempt and everyone cheered.

"But I knew straight away I could do more so wanted to go straight back into another attempt as I thought I could do 65.

"After the second attempt, the gym erupted in cheering and everyone seemed really happy to have been a part of it.

"I felt proud of myself as there was a lot of organisation and guidelines to follow besides training.

"But most of all I felt relieved so many people had come together to be a part of it and I hadn't let them down.

"It was a huge buzz and I was already planning my next challenge on the car journey home."

The boxer hasn't received her Guinness World Record certificate yet, as it can take up to 16 weeks to be processed.

Nicola got involved in the sport aged 15, when she was introduced to Bruce Lee's martial art, called Jeet Kune Do.

She soon met coach Alan Keddle who showed her Thai boxing which she immediately fell in love with.

One of her craziest adventures was the time she fought an inmate inside a prison in Bangkok.

Now aged 40, Nicola hopes to be an inspiration for her daughters and other female athletes.

She said: "The message I would like to send out is: stay focused on your goal and surround yourself with the best in the field and like-minded people if possible.

"Ask yourself 'are you willing to make the sacrifices needed to reach your goal?' If so, support is key to achieving your goal.

"I couldn't have become Thai boxing world champion without a padman and sparring partners and I couldn't have achieved the world record without my husband training me, the glove holders and everyone else.

"Make a plan and don't get dragged down by the everyday stuff that can take your eye off the ball.

"Life can be overwhelming for mums especially nowadays and I think trying not to keep up with others and just being you and doing what works for you and makes you happy is key.

"Ask yourself 'what do you want and how do you get there?' Then everyday take gradual steps to getting there."