BOLTON-based Bare Fist Boxing Association is due to hold a bare-knuckle event at the Memory Hall, in Gilnow Lane, on Saturday, March 17.

The event has drawn criticism from Harper Green councillor, Sue Haworth, who researched the sport but concluded that it "had too many downsides" and was more suited to "Guy Ritchie films rather than for Bolton."

But photographer Keith Vaughton from Morris Green, whose dramatic photographs of the sport can be seen on this page, says his mind was changed by what he saw in an old cotton mill on the outskirts of Bolton town centre.

Mr Vaughton, who usually photographs weddings, portraits and urban street scenes, said: "I think people see these films like Snatch, which portrays illegal, bare-knuckle fights between travellers, and they got the wrong impression.

"There was a genuine camaraderie between the fighters. There was none of this 'I'm going to kill you' or anything like that.

"After the fights there were hugs, laughs and handshakes. There was no animosity whatsoever."

Tickets to Bare Fist Boxing Association's event on March 17 cost £30, or £50 for VIP tickets. For more details See facebook.com/barefistboxingassociation

Visit: keithvaughton.com to see more pictures.