PUNCHING power is set to pump cash into a charity supporting sufferers of Parkinson's disease in a charity challenge.

Kung Fu master Dave Taylor, whose mother sufferers from the condition, has thrown down the gauntlet, or rather the boxing glove, to martial arts students and fitness enthusiasts to take part in the Punching Challenge 2007. The winner of the contest will receive a six-foot trophy if they are recognised as punching champion.

The challenge is to see who can punch most times while holding 8lb weights in each hand during the contest at the Pro Fitness Gym in the Butts, Worcester, on Sunday, July 29, from 11am.

Dave Taylor, aged 40, founder of Wing Chun Dynamics Kung Fu, has been involved in the martial art for the last 27 years and has been teaching at Worcester for the last decade.

He wants to raise money for the Parkinson's Disease Society because his mother, Hazel, suffers from the illness. He said: "Let's open the challenge to everyone.

"I'm trying to get everyone together for this."

The competition is an opportunity to dethrone one of Mr Taylor's students - Wayne Morris - who has won the competition for the last two years. Entry forms must be in by Wednesday, July 25.

Entry is free but contestants can help the charity by buying a band to show their support for the chosen charity. To enter fill in an entry form, contact Dave Taylor on 07813923973 or e-mail dave@ wingchundynamics.co.uk so he can explain the rules of the punching competition.

Mr Taylor runs two Kung Fu clubs in Worcester, one at the Energy Health And Fitness Club in Tolladine Road and the other at Lyppard Grange Community Centre.

He hopes to organise more fund-raising in the future.