A BOXING club attended by a family of girls with fighting spirit is celebrating their recent success.

Sixteen-year-old Ailsa French won a silver medal in the ABA Junior Championships and youngster sister, Gaynor, 14, won gold in the recent English Schoolgirl Championships in Grantham.

She also came first while representing England in the Tri-Nations contest in Doncaster.

The St Bede’s School pupils attend North Road Gym, in Catchgate, near Stanley, with nine-year-old sister Imogen, who goes to St Patrick’s School in Dipton.

Mother, Angela French, from Greencroft, said: “I am very proud of them. It is a bit strange to have three girls into the same sport, but they are all great friends and get on very well.”

Gaynor has only been boxing for six months, but she trains four times a week.

Coach John Wood, 40, from Burnopfield, said: “This is the first time we have coached female boxers at the gym.

“Their dedication is second to none. Having a girl represent England has elevated the status of the club.”

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