Maryport Boxing Club is set to have a permanent home with a £110,000 extension to the town's boys' club.

The boxing club is to submit a planning application to Allerdale council to build on land to the side of the existing boys' club.

Since the club began six years ago, it has not had a proper base and needed to use shared facilities in the town.

Darren Martin, head coach at Maryport Amateur Boxing Club, said: "Being based at the Maryport Boys and Girls club has meant we have become part of that community service and we have had great feedback both from the the community of Ewanrigg and adjoining neighbourhoods. 

"Although our location is definitely the right area for our club and sport, it has come with some big negative aspects in terms of what equipment can be used. 

"It also comes with big restrictions on how often we can open our doors.

"This is due to the hall space being shared with other clubs and events. 

"We have to assemble and dismantle our boxing ring and store away all our equipment at the end of each session."

The club has around 40 members aged between eight and 35 years old, they currently have five competitive boxers and four ABA qualified coaches.

The new building would allow the club to have a permanent boxing gym.

Martin added: "This will enable us to improve the quality of the sessions, use more equipment, allow more frequent training days and extended times.

"This, in turn, will attract even more members and enable us to get more members up to the standard to compete for the club and town."

The new boxing facility will also help cater for regular school trial sessions and team fitness sessions will also be continued for both rugby and football teams. 

The club has submitted funding applications to Sport England for £75,000 and the Community Foundation for £30,000. Both are currently under review.

Martin added: "While we are waiting to see if these grants are successful our club is aiming to raise a further £5,000 to go towards starting the physical work.

"We aim to start the development in June if our applications are successful.

"We are looking for any help and support with this project and would urge anybody who could help to get in touch."