The 25-year-old, a member of Sunderland Central fire station's White Watch, fought his way to victory on the third day of the World Firefighters' Games, in Liverpool.

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The light heavyweight, who also boxes for Hylton Castle, came back with the top medal after beating a firefighter from Lancashire in the final at the Echo Arena.

Kevan, from Devonshire Street, Monkwearmouth, said: "It's quite exciting. Everyone at the gym has been rooting for me and they were all behind me."

England is top of the medal table with 19 golds, 17 silver and 11 bronze, but there are still many events to go in the 10-day competion.

Dave Simpson, assistant chief fire officer at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: "It's great news to hear that firefighters and corporate staff from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service are winning medals at the World Firefighters Games.

"As well as Kevan winning gold in boxing, we've also got medal winners in lots of other categories.

"We know there are some tremendous athletes among our crews and for them to be ranked amongst the best in their chosen sport when they're up against such stiff competition from across the world is fantastic and a reflection of the dedication and professionalism they also give to their roles."

The World Firefighters Games are held every two years. Including everything from Olympic sports to the iron-testing World's Toughest Firefighter competition, the "Olympics for fire brigades" was founded by an American entrepreneur and a committee of international firefighters.

The first games were held in Auckland, New Zealand in 1990, and have since been held in cities around the world – including Las Vegas, Perth, and Hong Kong.

"It's a really good event and all the money goes to charity," said Kevan, who is engaged to Claire, 23.

"It's a bit like the Olympics, but there are also specific events for firefighters as well."

Kevan plans to follow his success at the firefighters' games by taking part in the Amateur Boxing Association's novice competition in October.

He added that he had taken some inspiration from the Olympic exploits of Tony Jeffries.

"I watched him fight and to have a bronze medal coming back to the city is great," he said.

He added "I used to box when I was younger, at Lambton Street. I had a couple of fights but didn't take it seriously, but the past year or so I decided to be more dedicated with my training."