A WEYMOUTH soldier has broken out of her comfort zone by taking up competitive boxing for the first time.

Private Charlotte Faulkner, who is currently serving in Gloucester with the Support Battalion, recently competed in the 1 (UK) Signal Brigade boxing competition, held at Imjin Barracks, Gloucester.

A chef by trade, Faulkner had never tried her hand at boxing before she took on the challenge, taking part in her first fight in front of 500 people.

The fight was the climax to what had been a busy period for the former Budmouth School student, who had to balance her boxing training with her work commitments, including a trip to the British Base in Gibraltar for a warm weather training consisting of aerobic fitness sessions, strength and conditioning sessions.

Unfortunately due to the experience of her opposition, Private Faulkner lost the fight via a judge’s decision, however the result was an extremely tight affair with Faulkner landing some excellent punches on her opponent.

Speaking of the fight, Faulkner said: “This has been a once in a lifetime opportunity for me as I had never really thought about taking up boxing before joining the Army, and now, after my recent fight I am certainly going to pursue it further in the future and hopefully make the Army Boxing Team.”