A boxing club is due to reopen at Workington's former sixth form campus.

Workington Town Boys' And Girls' Club will open officially on Saturday, August 8 at the Moorclose campus and will be offering sessions for children and adults.

The club relocated from Bolton Street to Workington Leisure Centre five years ago, after the building was demolished because it was in a bad state.

Phill Dryden, 52, of Newlands Lane, chairman of the club and youth director of the local community centre, said: "We knew the leisure centre was going to close and we decided to take some time out and get our heads together with Gerald Humes and Gillian Thompson - director and manager of the community centre.

"I've missed the club, this area needs it and this place has potential.

"It's sad that the sports centre is going to be demolished, but we are going to provide something for the community, that's the main thing, we are a youth group, not just a boxing club."

The club’s move ties in with the Needham Drive centre’s aim of becoming a hub for the local community.

David Tennyson, 40, of Workington, is head coach. He said: "I'm really looking forward to starting. 

"I'm hoping we'll get lots of people from the local area, get them off the street and give them something proactive to do.

"With boxing children learn discipline, healthy living and respect.

"We are here to advise on other issues as well, such as work ethics and routes into employment, we do point people in the right direction, we become mentors.

"I've boxed for Workington Town Boys' And Girls' Club since I was nine.

"This location is central to Moorclose, Westfield and Salterbeck, people don't have a lot of money around here to spend on expensive sports and we provide everything at minimal cost."

Sessions will cost £2 for the junior sessions, for eight to 18-year-olds, and £3 for senior sessions, for those 18 and over.

Other coaches involved are Stephen Waite, Lee Briscoe and Gareth Sewell.

The committee also includes Amanda Rowell, treasurer, and Susan Sharples, secretary.

Mr Humes said: "We want to engage active people and active ideas on this site. Cost is part of the equation. I would encourage people to come and support this club."

Sessions are both for male and female athletes and will run on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6pm to 7pm for juniors and from 7.30pm to 8:30 for seniors.

For more information visit the club's Facebook page Workington Town Boys' and Girls' Club.

The open day on Saturday, August 8, will run from 10am to 2pm.