Learna Buff from Grantham is celebrating victory at the England Boxing National Junior Championships

Grantham boxer Learna Buff has etched her name in the town's fighting folklore.

Learna has become the first female boxer from Grantham to win a national title.

She is now the fourth ever fighter from the town to land the accolade after success at the England Boxing National Junior Championships.

She won both her bouts in tough contests to take the Junior National Cadet 57 to 60kg Championship crown to the delight of coach Johnboy Taylor who recently linked up with the fighter after she joined the St Neots based New Saints Club.

He said: "Learna is a coach's dream in how she listens and takes on instructions.

"She joined our gym only two months ago and you can already see a big difference, both mentally and physically, in such a short time.

"We didn't do that much though - it was all down to the champion. She has a bright future and there are big things to come."

Learna had travelled to Loughborough University to compete in the championships.

She boxed a very game and strong Jodie Jones from the Priory Park Boxing Club in her semi-final clash.

Both girls gave their all with grit and determination and were equally determined to progress to the final.

However, a lovely jab and back-hand saw Learna edge the bout 3-2 on a split decision.

She was back in action 24 hours later in the final where she faced a southpaw fighter in Daisy Weston from the Waterlooville Boxing Club.

In a contest where Learna just seemed to grow and grow, she got better and better as the rounds went on and was a comfortable 4-1 winner to take the title.

Parents Leigh and Zara were both proud of their daughter and admitted to being on cloud nine after her success.

They said: "Learna has battled back from injury at the start of the year and also battled with mental health.

"She moved to a new gym where the work was mainly on her mindset and belief in herself while adding to her boxing skill set.

"It was a big ask to achieve it only six weeks before the National Championships, but her new gym and head coach were up for it and, like a true champion, Learna smashed it.

"We want to say a huge thank you to Johnboy and all involved with New Saints Gym.

"We both cannot wait to see what the future holds for her and are excited to see what happens next."