An award-winning children's author is bringing a show inspired by his own unusual childhood to Millom.

Writer and performer Oliver Sykes, 34, grew up without a mum and was coached as an amateur boxer by his dad, who is of Romani heritage.

Oliver's family lived in poverty on a council estate in rural Derbyshire, relying on clothing donations, income support, and free school meals.

Oliver's dad quit his job to care for his six children after his wife left, and he instilled a love of boxing and reading in them.

Despite a teenage assault that permanently damaged his hand and ended his boxing dreams, Oliver persevered and graduated with a first class degree in theatre studies.

Now, Oliver has turned his hand to writing and is bringing his one-man show, Alfie's First Fight, to Millom.

The show is based on Oliver's first children's book, which won an award at this year's Children's Literature Festivals Book Awards.

The story is about a shy twelve-year-old named Alfie who goes on an adventure to find his older brother, Jacob, who has gone missing just before the Golden Gloves Championship, the biggest boxing match of his life.

Oliver said: "Alfie's First Fight is the kind of tale that you don't very often see on stage.

"It's a relatable, working class story about a loving and supportive non-traditional family who love boxing.

"Alfie's First Fight is a story about coming of age, fighting our fears and being who we always wanted to be.

"It will appeal to everyone who has ever felt like the underdog but has gone full throttle for the win regardless."

Alfie's First Fight will be performed at Beggar's Theatre in Millom on Sunday, October 22 at 2pm.

Tickets are priced at £8 and can be purchased through the Beggar's Theatre website or by calling 01229 775677.

The show is suitable for ages 5 and above.