JADE Ashmore struck a blow for the "fairer sex" when she became Bradford College's first female student to win a Great Britain youth tri-nations title.

Ashmore, who tuned up by sparring with Army boxers, beat Billie-Jean Franks (Larches & Savick BC) to take the prize.

It confirmed her place at the top level of the sport after boxing for England against Ireland, winning one of her two bouts.

Bradford College elite programme coach Mick Gannon said: "Jade deserves this title. She's a conscientious student both in the gym and on her BTEC sport course.

"Whenever the going gets tough, Jade is at the front of the queue and not hiding in a corner of the gym. That attitude will bring her a lot of success."

Harris Akhbar added to his string of national titles with another gold medal. He is set to join the elite programme in September.