A north v south boxing match is being held this week to raise money for an anti-drugs charity.

Former professional middleweight boxer Colin “The Hammer” Vidler will face Manchester’s Pete “Lights Out” Dwan on Saturday at nightclub Tantra in Bridge Road, Sheerness.

Mr Dwan, a former British Thai boxing champion, is a drugs-free ambassador and visits schools to educate children about illegal substances.

Mr Vidler, an actor who has appeared in the films Ten and Hooligans at War: North vs South, found out about Mr Dwan’s charity, Drug Free Kids, earlier this year.

He was asked to put a fundraiser for the organisation, Steve Cook, up for the night at the Invicta Guesthouse in Marine Parade, Sheerness, which he owns.

Mr Cook came to the Island in May as part of a sponsored walk around the British Isles.

Mr Vidler, 45, said: “When Steve stayed he started telling me about the charity and when I delved a little deeper I thought, fair play and I thought I’d offer my help and do a bit more.

He added: “When I saw what an impact Pete’s talks have I thought we need this in the schools in Sheerness. I got in touch with him and the challenge was set.”

Mr Dwan, who almost died through drink and drugs in his early 20s, said: “I get requests from all over the UK and have travelled as far as Ireland, Belgium and New Zealand delivering effective drug education.

“This is the first time I have been challenged to a fight in aid of the kids talks but I’m up for it.

“I’m sure when we both get in the ring it will be game
on but what I really like is the local kids will be the real winners.”

Mr Vidler is hoping some of his actor friends, including former EastEnders’ cast members Charles Venn, who played Ray Dixon, and Brian Croucher, who played Ted Hills, will come down to watch the fight.

He has been given the use of Tantra for free while Sheerness Amateur Boxing Club and Rumbles Boxing Academy in Sittingbourne have helped supply fighters for the undercard.

Tim Pierpoint, owner of Halfway-based Chainstore Discount Warehouse, has donated trophies.

The doors will open at 6pm and the first bout is at 7pm. Entry costs £15 on the door.

Call 07824 398683 for more information. For more about Mr Dwan’s charity, go to www.drugfreekids.co.uk