Queen's footman is champ wrestler

A footman to the Queen has become British heavyweight wrestling champion after beating his rival in a cage fight.

David Hintz, 24, from Oxford - known in the ring as David Deville - took the crown from Jon 'The Don' Ritchie in Thurrock, Essex.

Promoter Sanjay Bagga told the BBC he had taken the title belt to Buckingham Palace to show it off.

"The good thing is that the Queen has always been a British wrestling fan. When British wrestling used to be on television the Royal Family used to go and watch," he said.

"And the palace has been really supportive of David. When he first told me what he did for a living, I was a bit nervous, I wasn't sure they'd approve, but they've been great."

The match took place in front of a sell-out crowd, with former Big Brother contestant and part-time wrestling referee Luke Marsden officiating.

Speaking after his victory, Mr Hintz declared it "a dream come true".

"After working so hard over the last eight years, training every day, it makes it all worthwhile," he said.

"It was an honour beating a champion like Jon Ritchie who is a man that everyone respects and admires."

Mr Hintz's role at Buckingham Palace is to provide any assistance the Queen needs during mealtimes, and on ceremonial occasions, such as Trooping the Colour, he rides on the carriages.