Pride and reputation were at stake when the Light Dragoons took on the county's best amateur boxers in a fundraising fight at the weekend.

The contest failed to disappoint with crowds of spectators being treated to 13 closely-fought bouts at the Norfolk Showground, at Costessey, on Saturday night.

After 39 adrenaline-fuelled rounds, the civilians' technical skills triumphed over the dragoon's military might and the night ended ten bouts to three.

Proceeds will be split between the Light Dragoons Colonel's Appeal and Norfolk Amateur Boxing Association, although the grand total is not yet known.

Captain James Kayll, a member of the Swanton Morley-based dragoons, said: 'The quality of boxing was fantastic, both teams did themselves very proud. It certainly wasn't a whitewash - every fight was very close. The fighters were very well-matched and they were all excellent.

'We were very happy with the turnout - it seemed extremely busy. Charity is the real winner.'

The Colonel's Appeal, launched on the night, will provide long-term support to members of the regiment and their families who have suffered physical and psychological injuries as a result of recent operations.

It aims to raise �1 million between now and the end of 2012, when the regiment is due to return from its next deployment to Afghanistan.

Six members of the regiment were killed and another 37 injured during their last tour of Afghanistan in 2009 and many more are expected to need support in the future.

Among the spectators was General Lord Richard Dannatt and twin boxing stars Liam and Ryan Walsh, who instructed the dragoons during a training session in Norwich.