Pictured above: Mieke Hink

A local call centre worker will soon be swapping her headset for protective headgear when she faces tough competition at a major kickboxing tournament in Italy later this month.

Mieke Hink, product replacement team leader at Nottingham-based Domestic & General (D&G), who has agreed to sponsor her endeavours, will be flying out to compete in the WAKO (World Association of Kickboxing Organisations) World Championships in Italy.

Mieke, who lives in Nottingham, has been kickboxing for 18 years and, having taken two years out to have her son, began competing internationally in 1996. She said: "I'm really excited about the trip and the challenge ahead. Earlier this year I competed at the Austrian Classics, one of Europe's most prestigious kickboxing tournaments. Our team won gold and I was delighted to win an individual gold in the ladies over 65kg. It was a fantastic tournament and I'm really hoping that I can build on my success in the World Championships."

Mieke trains at the Nottingham School of Black Belts in the city centre which offers courses in a range of martial arts - from kickboxing to mixed martial arts and boxing.

Debi Martin, site operations manager of D&G said: "We are absolutely thrilled that Meike has made it to the World Championships  - what an achievement. We are sponsoring Meike over £600 which will cover her entry fee, everyone at D&G is behind Meike and we are all wishing her well in the competition."

Mieke added: "I'm really grateful to D&G for their support. Kickboxing is an amateur sport so we don't get paid, so any extra help is appreciated. I hope I can do well and bring something back for everyone at home that has supported me."