A LONG-RUNNING boxing club has thrown open the doors to its new extension.

Berinsfield Boxing Club had outgrown its former Army Cadets hut in Fane Drive and won a series of grants to more than double its size.

The club, which boasts more than 100 members of all ages, will show off its new facilities at an open day next month.

The extra space, which includes a second boxing ring, a wall of mirrors and improved changing rooms, was made possible by grants including £207,000 from South Oxfordshire District Council, and £50,000 from the Oxfordshire Youth Capital Fund. Work began in the autumn and was completed a month ahead of schedule.

Club founder Mel Corrigan said: “It enables us to have more facilities for the kids, they can now have a shower here after training rather than going home in the cold.

“We can put shows on here, rather than hiring out the leisure centre at great cost.”

He added: “The reaction from the kids has been absolutely fantastic. They cannot wait to get in there.”

The club is about to begin a Monday night ‘nursery club’ to teach children aged eight and upwards non-contact boxing.

The open day on Saturday, February 5, will feature training demos and stars including heavyweight Michael Sprott and, it is hoped, boxing legend Barry McGuigan.For open day information, call 78601 56950.