THE occasional bruised chin or black eye are not an unusual sight in a boxing gym.

But pay a visit to Berinsfield ABC on a Monday or Thursday evening and – despite more than an hour of frantic activity – you will not spot a single blemish on the faces of the participants.

An increasing number of women are turning up twice a week for Boxercise Classes.

Berinsfield ABC can boast a facility worth £750,000 and it has sought to embrace the entire community and make as much use of the premises as possible.

And the club had a finalist in last season’s National Schoolgirl boxing championships in Niamh McGuckin.

Chief coach Mel Corrigan said: “I was approached about organising some exercise classes for women living locally and, by word of mouth, it just seemed to take off from there.”

Housewife Tracy Bonner said she wanted the chance to get fit while daughter Amy McKnight, wanted to get her figure back after giving birth to Daisy six months ago.

And Jen Harwood, who works at nearby Abbey Sports Centre, added: “I came along for some extra training and then simply got bitten by the bug.

“It’s great fun with a great group of girls and I really enjoy each session.”

School cook Mandy Kenny said: “I came along with a friend and now I’m addicted.”

The club pledged to involve more people from the village when it opened a £200,000 extension in February.

For further details contact Mel Corrigan on 07860 156950.