YOUNG boxing champs can now punch above their weight after a battle-scarred ring has been replaced and new equipment bought – thanks to two charitable donations.

Gannett Foundation – the arm of The Press’s parent company – gave £5,000 for new equipment and York employer CPP of Holgate Park, weighed in with the £3,000 the York Amateur Boxing Club and Young People’s Fitness Centre needed to buy a new boxing ring for its Layerthorpe training centre.

People, aged between seven and 67, attend the club where they can learn how to box, and also keep fit.

The club also has an education block, where boys and girls who are not in mainstream education go, via organisations such as Connexions, the Youth Offending Team and York Training Centre.

They learn employment life skills, such as how to lay flooring, and also learn health and safety modules in the class room Lewis Gell, York Amateur Boxing Club manager, said: “The boxing ring that we previously used was 60 years old and had definitely seen better days. We were delighted for a helping hand. This is a great boost for our members and all those interested in boxing in the local community.”

The boxing club, a registered charity, is playing a vital role in the development of young people and uses boxing, coaching and fitness training as a means of channelling energy in a controlled manner, while encouraging achievement.

Members have the opportunity to gain a range of awards and qualifications, including the ASDAN Boxing Certificate of Personal Effectiveness – a GCSE equivalent for 14 to 16 year olds.

Presenting the new ring to the club, Stephen Kennedy, managing director of CPP, said: “The club is doing a great job in engaging with and inspiring young people, by teaching them skills that are relevant and useful both inside and outside the ring.

“We are really pleased to be supporting the club, which will benefit many young people in the local community, hopefully for another 60 years to come.”