HAIR stylist Altin Ismaili is courageously swapping his scissors for boxing gloves this weekend.

The award-winning manager ofi Marc Antoni's Woodley salon is taking part in the Ultra White Collar boxing event being held at Rivermead Leisure Centre on Saturday evening.

He and fellow contestants are raising money for Cancer Research, with UWC being the UK's biggest fundraiser for the charity.

The Reading show is expected to rake in close to £400,000.

Tickets are selling well with a VIP table, for up to 10 people, costing £350 while it's £20 for the standing area.

Those attending – you must be over 18 - should note the strict dress code which is a minimum of shirt and tie for gents and evening dress or smart trousers and blouse for women.

If you turn up in jeans, trainers, chinos and checked shirts, then you are unlikely to get past the doorman.

  • Mitun Patel has been appointed Reading Cricket Club's 1st XI fourth captain in as many years.

He will be looking to stem the club's decline which has brought relegation for two seasons running, meaning they are back in the Thames Valley League.

Club chairman Jacqui Salazar commented: “Since joining the club he has made a huge impact and has shown his commitment, not only to our club but to his performance on the pitch.

“He has some great plans and ideas which come with great enthusiasm and positivity.”

  • A special match is to be played at Finchampstead on Sunday in memory of former secretary Nick Markham, who lost his fight with cancer in February.

His son, George, will manage a side featuring former players, family and friends, while the opposing team will be in the care of Jon Laugharne, who was manager when the club played in the Hellenic League.

The game kicks off at 2pm.

  • FA Vase finalists Thatcham will be cheered on at Wembley by the town's Mayor, Cllr Ellen Crumly and her deputy, Cllr Jan Cover.

The day of the final, May 20, did clash with their Mayor Making Ceremony, but that's been called off as football comes first.