A boxing trainer fears he could be about to lose a fight to save his club from closure.

Chris Bailes has been head trainer at the Impala Boxing Club in Stockton for almost 30 years.

But he claims council red tape is forcing him to hand over the keys of the club - and that could spell the end for a group that trains about 40 boxers from across the Teesside area.

The only official boxing club in Stockton, Impala has been run on a shoe-string budget by Mr Bailes and provides a valuable facility for youngsters.

However, Stockton Borough Council has served notice on the club's trustees for failing to comply with safety conditions. But Mr Bailes says he has an impeccable safety record.

Following stalled talks between the two parties, the council's case is now due to be heard in a county court next month.

Mr Bailes, 57, said: "As far as I'm concerned it's a personal matter between myself and the council.

"We have had bad blood in the past, but that's no reason to take out our differences on the kids.

"I'm still optimistic that the club can be saved, I would be willing to do anything, including a new club committee, management, whatever.

"It would be heartbreaking to tell these boys and girls that it had to close."

Danny Simpson, 15, of Billingham, who is completing the sport section of his Duke of Edinburgh Award at the club, said: "This club is absolutely class. It's 50p a night and the training is excellent. If it ever closed down we would have nowhere else to go."

Councillor William Noble, who represents the club, said: "The club hasn't complied with safety regulations and doesn't even have a constitution.

"Without these it can't apply for Lottery funding and without that it will always run at a loss.

"It's a tragedy because these kids are really going to miss out.

"It's also a personal tragedy for Chris because he's put half of his life, and his life savings, into this club."

The council says it will use the building for community activities if it secures vacant possession.

A spokeswoman said: "We have a duty to ensure that certain safeguards and procedures are in place. Our aim is to protect young people who use the club.

"To carry out our duties we need information so we can assess how the club is managed. We have been asking Mr Bailes to let us have this since March 2000 and he has failed to provide it.

"Reluctantly, we therefore had to apply to the courts for a possession order.

"That hearing was held on February 12 and Mr Bailes now has until March 12 to file a defence.

"If he fails to do so the council will be entitled to take possession of the premises."