Thai boxing gym scoops £500 of funding (From The Northern Echo)

Thai boxing gym scoops £500 of funding

5:52pm Monday 18th July 2011 in Bishop Auckland News

YOUNGSTERS are fighting fit after a Thai boxing club was given £500 to help it buy equipment.

The Northern Fight Star Gym, in Bishop Auckland, has been given the money to buy a boxing ring that can be set up permanently.

Based on Eldon Lane the gym was given the money from the Better Homes Better Lives fund that is run by Dale and Valley Homes.

The club is run by Peter and Lisa McGowan and it is based in a former dance hall on the first floor of Eldon Working Mens’ Club.

Mr McGowan said: "I used to box at another club.

"But we couldn’t leave anything out because it was a community hall so we have come to Eldon Lane and sorted this place out."

The club is slowly being equipped and it has attracted 50 junior members and more than 30 adults.

Members have already started heading off to fight at competitions across the country including Manchester.

Colin Stockwell, Dale and Valley Homes chairman, said: "Places like Eldon Lane really need people with energy and enthusiasm willing to put time into the community.

"We are pleased to support such a successful project and we hope it continues to grow and attract more young people."