A Maryport boxing club wants to keep the memory of a fighter turned coach from the town alive by renaming its gym after him.

William Richardson, 34, of Elizabeth Terrace, died on August 9 after being stabbed outside the Labour Club in Senhouse Street in the early hours of the previous day.

Mr Richardson was a former member of Nemesis Boxing Club, which earlier this month raised more than £6,000 for Mr Richardson's sons Alex and Lewis and his girlfriend Amy's son Mayson.

Now coach and promoter Adrian Kirkbride has decided to rename the club gym, above Netherhall Old Boys Rugby Club in Crosby Street, Wilter's Gym after his nickname, Wilter.

Mr Kirkbride said: "I want it to keep his memory alive and it seemed right. People in the town will talk about going up to the gym and it will keep his name out there.

"I've been getting messages from all over the country after he died from people who had boxed against him or knew him. He was well thought of in the boxing world."

The money for the children was raised at a boxing event at the town's Grasslot Welfare Club.

More than 200 people attended the event and Mr Kirkbride said it felt like Mr Richardson was there in the room at times.

He added: "I didn't think we'd raise anywhere near that because these events cost a lot to run but all of my boxers fought for free and the officials put their wages in the pot.

"In three weeks it was organised and the people who turned up weren't shy in helping out.

"We had a two-minute silence because a boxing round is two minutes so that was quite fitting for him.

"It was an emotional night but a happy one because everyone knew he was a boxer."

Mr Kirkbride even got his gloves on for his first fight in years to honour the memory of his friend.

An auction of items including a painting of Mr Richardson running up the town's back brow steps by local artist Roy Simmons and boxing gloves signed by heavyweight Anthony Joshua added to the fundraising total.

Sean Michael Morrin, 32, of Nelson Street, Maryport, who used to live in Carlisle, has been charged with murdering Mr Richardson. He is due to enter a plea on November 6.