MUAY Thai kickboxing star Kamen Picken has returned to give something back to his home town.

The 22-year-old has opened the Demon Gym in Orford with the hope that one of his members can follow him to mixed martial arts success.

Picken moved to Thailand to pursue a career in Muay Thai at the age of 16 and enjoyed a successful spell in the Far East.

He fought in all the major stadiums in Thailand as well as travelling for contests in Cambodia, Australia, Hong Kong and Macau.

The former Lymm High School student has squared up to and beaten some of the world’s most renowned fighters and has competed for world titles twice, but is now turning his attention to the gym.

“I believe I can use my experiences to make a real impact with the gym,” he said.

“Living in Thailand from a young age taught me a lot and I will always be grateful for the experience.”

Picken has already welcomed people aged four to 72 to his gym, which contains a professional-sized Thai boxing ring.

The former council depot on Capesthorne Road has also been renovated to include seven boxing bags and an Olympic weights room.

“I wanted to create a family atmosphere, somewhere anyone can come to and get better,” Picken said.

“This is not a gym just for Muay Thai fighters.

“Young and old are welcome, whether training for fights or just to lose some weight and get fit.”