After tipping the scales at 23 stone, Joe Delf was challenged by his boxing instructor to drastically slim down to get in shape for his first competitive match.

And in just five months the Caister man has lost a staggering five-and-a-half stone through his own determination.

Through healthy eating and regular exercise, Joe is now fit enough to take part in the Monsoon Christmas event at the Ocean Room, in Gorleston, on December 17.

His massive weight loss has come at a busy time for the 18-year-old, who has been taken up by Great Yarmouth accountants Stephenson Smart, as the new AAT trainee. He impressed partner Henry Pettitt during a spell of work experience and was invited back for an interview.

Joe said: “I’m really excited to have the opportunity, it’s going well and I’m really enjoying it. It’s challenging, but also rewarding. I was a waiter for four years at my family’s hotel so I’m used to speaking to customers.”

Joe is currently training at Spartans Boxing Club in Cobholm for the white-collar fight and hopes it will be the beginning of a further career in competitive boxing.

“I got to the point where I was so unfit so I started playing squash. Then my instructor told me I had to lose weight if I wanted to take my boxing further, so I thought ‘challenged accepted’. The first week I lost a stone – I now run three times a week and box three times a week.

“I’ve got quite a few people coming to watch me including all the regulars of my local pub The Centurion. Henry has also said he’s going to come and watch.”

Joe was previously employed by Great Yarmouth Community Trust, before taking up the position at the Beacon Park based business.

He plans to study for his level two, three and four AAT qualifications, before working towards Chartered Accountant status.

Mr Pettitt said he was delighted to have Joe on board.

“We saw his enthusiasm for the career when he visited us on work experience so we invited him back to interview for the position.