When Lucy Garland first told her parents she wanted try out wrestling, they didn't think she was serious.

But now the petite blonde, at only 5ft 5ins tall, takes on men in the ring who are more than twice her age and size.

The 17-year-old started training just one year ago but has already progressed to a competitive level.

With her long blonde curly hair, small frame and studying art and costume design at Btec level, Lucy is not your typical wrestler.

She says that people are always shocked to hear about her double life in the fighting ring.

'People are always quite surprised when I tell them I'm a wrestler,' she says.'My parents didn't think I would stick at it as I was the only girl at the club, but now they are very supportive and really proud.'

Lucy says she is devoted to her craft, and trains once a week, working out at the gym six days a week and sticking to a strict diet in order to keep up with professional standards.

Lucy will be battling against trainer Paul at North Hertfordshire College's Hitchin Centre for Arts on July 19.