HIS days are spent reading electricity meters in Blackburn and Burnley but at night it's a very different count Yaqoob Hussain involves himself with.

For Yaqoob has become the country's only Asian amateur referee and often has to juggle his job as a field programme controller with flitting off all over the North West presiding over matches.

Things have got even more hectic recently with him taking on a role as a youth worker for Lancashire County Council, based in Burnley. Again boxing features heavily.

Yaqoob, who lives in Cherry Street, Blackburn, said: "I used to do two or three tournaments a week but it's hard to find the time with doing the youth work but I still get to them. I teach youngsters boxing, the skill and the discipline involved. They don't actually get involved physically but it keeps them fit and keeps them off the street.

"Sometimes I have to finish work early but luckily my employers understand and are pretty flexible."

Yaqoob has only just graduated as an amateur referee but his sights are already set on the next round. The father-of-four, who works at IMServ, in Blackburn, said: "I'm hoping to go up to the international level next. At the moment I can go anywhere in the region and referee amateur matches but I want to take it further."

Yaqoob has come a long way since the day he pulled on the gloves and stepped into the ring himself "a very long time ago."

As an amateur himself the 46-year-old took part in 60 bouts, winning 45, although he cannot remember how many were by knockout.

After spending 20 years coaching Yaqoob decided to square up for his judging certificate which eventually led to him becoming a fully-fledged referee.

He said: "I am very proud to be the only Asian in the country to become a ref.

"There are a lot of Asian kids coming through in the sport now and hopefully I will not be the only Asian referee for long."