Eleven years of hard work in the gym paid off as boxer Riley Khalid won a European gold medal in his first competition.

Khalid, from Sittingbourne, triumphed at the King of the Ring tournament in Sweden, beating Danish opponent Malthe Trudslev in the 57-60kg Final.

Now 17, he joined Rumbles Boxing Academy aged six and has realised an ambition with his success.

“He came home from school one day and said he wanted to go boxing,” said mum Susan Longden.

“So we found him a gym and he goes training three nights a week. He always said to me he wanted to win the European Championships.

“He’s got a real passion and talent for it and we’ve supported him through the years.”

Khalid, who also plays football for Milton & Fulston, received a bye in the Semi-Finals after his opponent withdrew.

There were a few nerves before the Final but the teenager, an apprentice security technician in London, came good.

“All five judges had Riley as the winner,” said Susan.

“It was clear that Riley’s jabs were landing and a lot of the Danish boy’s were missing.

“It wasn’t a shock that he won but it was a lovely feeling. His opponent was bigger than Riley - taller and bigger-built.

“Riley was a bit nervous 30 minutes before the fight but his coach took him aside on the pads and built a bit of confidence and he went in there and did what he had to do.

“He was a winner in our eyes just getting in the ring.

“He’s been doing gym shows over the years but this was his first actual competition. We’re so proud of him.”