THREE generations of boxers are punching their weight in a new area this month - film-making.

British featherweight champion Dazzo Williams, rising 14-year-old star Joe Maggs and Viv Bennetts, secretary of Hereford Amateur Boxing Club, all feature in a documentary tracing the life of bare-knuckle champion Tom Spring.

The story of how the son of a Fownhope butcher became champion of All England in 1823 was rekindled by Hereford author Jon Hurley in 2002 and now a new film, the Pugilists, will bring Spring's story to the big screen.

"It's really a documentary which traces the life of a boxer from Hereford's past and those of two very different modern boxers as well," said 17-year-old film-maker Luke Doran.

"Pugilists shows how much boxing has changed down the years."

Spanning two centuries, the film weaves the lives of the local boxers together, revelling in their triumphs, revealing their stories and sharing their passions for the art of pugilism in the Marches.

The project, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and created by the Rural Media Company, has been put together by young people across the county, giving them the opportunity to research their local history, write a script and learn camera skills.

"The 20 young people involved have got a really good idea of how you put a documentary together, including planing and scheduling," said director Adrian Lambert.

"They've gained experience in a three-camera shoot at the Shirehall last November as well as filming at Dazzo's gym in Merthyr and the Lads Club."

The production aims to shed light on one of Hereford's most famous sons and one of sport's most violent and dangerous professions and will premiere at next month's Borderlines film festival.