A FUNDRAISING campaign is being launched to build a new gym for a community boxing club.

Consett ABC is currently operating from the backroom of a workingmen’s club.

Now the 30 members have outgrown the premises so Grove and Moorside Social and Community Club has gifted some land from its site, near the A692, so the club can continue.

The plan has been given planning permission and the club is looking to raise funds for the project in the New Year.

Durham County Councillor Stephen Robinson, who runs the club, said: “We have a ring and everything there we need, but with all of the community rooms closing in the area people are starting the use the back room more and more so we are getting moved out all of the time and we were having to take all of the stuff down.

“We had to buy a container for all of the kit and we have been having to put it in storage.

“We are building at the side of the club and it is about the size of a tennis court so it is going to be huge.”

Cllr Robinson said the club will be applying for grants from Sport England and funding from councillors in the area, as well as looking for support from other local sports clubs.