BISHOP Auckland MP Helen Goodman stepped into the ring as she paid a visit to a boxing club.

Ms Goodman was shown around Spennymoor Boxing Academy's headquarters at Spennymoor Leisure Centre on Saturday.

The MP spoke to young members of the club and looked at the facilities as she discovered the benefits the sport has on the club's members.

She also pledged to add her support to calls for director of coaching Robert Ellis to be awarded an MBE for his contribution to the Spennymoor community.

"I'm very impressed," she said. "All the boys are obviously enjoying it, which is really important. There's a very high standard of boxing here and some excellent performers and national champions.

"Talking to the young boys, it also seems to give them bags of confidence so it's a good anti-bullying scheme as well."

Secretary Paul Hodgson said: "I invited Helen to see what we are doing with the kids' discipline and keeping them off the street but also to get her backing for nominating Robert for an MBE or another kind of award. I think she has been very, very impressed, especially with the passion and discipline of the club."