A COMMUNITY group has provided Chepstow Boxing Club with the provision of around £6000 worth of new kit for their gym.

Chepstow and Caldicot Lions saw the end of a major community project for the club, which helped to bring equipment up to the required standard.

The club worked to provide new gloves, punch bags, rowing machine, rope and corner covers, as well as new sports clothing and protective equipment, head guards and new flooring.

Lion President Brian Prout and Vice President John Robinson, chairman of welfare, were delighted to attend a presentation evening at the club too see the youngsters trying out the new equipment,

Mr Prout commented on the "new enthusiasm" running through the club and that Chepstow and Caldicot Lions were "proud to help the youth of the town".

Steve Woods, who runs the club, said: "With the new equipment they have been able to improve the training regime and allow more members to join, and with the new tracksuits the boxers now look and feel that they are part of a team."

"Since the introduction of the new equipment and attire there has been a real lift in the atmosphere at the club and this has shown in their latest results."

Last weekend, three boxers from the gym - Codi Leamon, Jude Holmes and Luke Connor - won at the Welsh Novice Championships in their respective weight categories.

The gym have also had Welsh Schoolboy Open Champion, Pat Mullane, and their female Welsh Elite Champion, Rosie Eccles, come through their ranks in recent years.

Mr Woods added: "Without the help of organisations such as the Chepstow and Caldicot Lions this would not be possible."