A BOXING club is appealing for help after a vital fundraiser, which generates cash used to send rising stars to competitions, had to be cancelled.

Bishop Auckland Boxing Club, based on Woodhouse Close Estate, holds an annual event to showcase the talents of its members.

However, due to circumstances beyond their control, the club had to cancel it for this year, so it has left them struggling to pay for boxers to compete across the country.

Coach Dan Waite said the venue they were planning to use had double booked them with a wedding and as they can only use places with specific licences and when officials are available there are no alternatives to rearrange.

“We are a self funding club and everyone pays subs towards the upkeep,” he said. “The shows fund equipment and the championships and without them it is very difficult.”

The club has received a few donations but Mr Waite said it can cost hundreds of pounds to send one person to compete.

Funding was found to allow Jimmy Tyers, 15, of Bishop Auckland, to compete in the quarter finals of the junior ABA championships in Liverpool at the weekend.

However, club officials are concerned over whether Durham University student Hannah Robinson, 20, also from Bishop Auckland, will be able to fight in a competition next month.

The Harringey Police and Community Boxing Tournament from Friday, June 20 to Sunday, June attracts female fighters from across Europe and Mr Waite said taking part will make a big difference to Miss Robinson’s development.

They are already organising fundraisers, which include a supermarket bag pack, but these will not be held before the London-based competition takes place.

“They both have massive potential but they need to take these chances. There are not many people up here that Hannah can fight. She needs these opportunities and we don’t want her to miss out.

“I would say there is a 90 per cent chance that she will go. We had to put money in ourselves to help Jimmy but obviously it is not possible to do that all the time.

“We really appreciate the help people have already given us but if anyone else can help we would be really grateful.”

Anyone able to help can visit the Bishop Auckland Boxing Club facebook page or call Mr Waite on 07957710326.