A BOXING club designed to keep youngsters out of trouble and nurture untrained talent has been floored after hearing the building it has been using for the last two years is to be converted to offices.

The Joint Amateur Boxing Society (JABS) was set up by Judith Allan in 2008 when she worked as a Police Community Support Officer in an effort to distract teenagers from getting involved with anti-social behaviour in Richmond and Catterick Garrison.

The club has used the Victorian buildings that made up part of Richmond Lower School for more than two years, but they are now to be handed over to the Richmondshire Council for Voluntary Service for office space.

The club’s licence at the former school was a temporary one and is due to run out in March 2015.

Mrs Allan said: “The school buildings we now use are to be converted into office space and most other rental spaces are far too expensive for us – we don’t want to charge our youngsters high fees because we don’t want to exclude anyone from the club.

“But that means we can’t afford much more than about £50 a week – even now I am paying the rent myself because the club just doesn’t generate a lot of money.”

Mrs Allan said the club provides a supportive and constructive leisure opportunity for children who may not be interested in football or rugby – but said she has seen some considerable talent grow.

She said: “At the moment we have at least two lads who I’m sure will make a future Olympic Games, they really are that good.

“They are entered into the Amateur Boxing Association of England championships in November and we are really hopeful of success.

“My plea today would be for anyone who has a suitable place at an affordable rent to contact me, we don’t need anything special - a barn or double garage - we need space to put up a boxing ring and brackets for bags, and we have enthusiastic parents who will support us with paint brushes and energy.

“My greatest fear is that, by not finding new premises, I will let down the members, the coaches, and those yet to join us, there is a great future in boxing let it start in Richmondshire.”

Mrs Allan can be contacted on 07779-342507 or judith.allan@talktalk.net.