A BOXING club has opened in north Durham after young people decided they wanted somewhere to train.

The North Road Gym, in Catchgate, has about 30 members and has just bought a boxing ring.

Young boxers did a sponsored walk, held a charity race night and received funding from Derwentside District Council.

They have raised nearly £4,500 and are looking to secure lottery funding to buy more equipment.

The club is being supported by Councillor Bill Proud, who represents Catchgate.

He said: "The Catchgate Club was quite well known in boxing circles as a result of Glenn McCrory and his fame.

"They are hoping they can recreate some of his success and are hoping that by the time the 2012 Olympics comes round they can have their own star.

"It is great because boxing teaches these kids how to control their aggression and gives them something to focus their minds on."

In the summer, Booker Amateur Boxing Club moved from premises in Catchgate to Consett YMCA, leaving a gap in Catchgate.

Booker was formed by ex-world champion Glenn McCrory and David Bourne in the mid-1990s and managed by Glenn's brother, Gary.

Gary McCrory said: "It had run its course for me and had gone from being a boxing club to a youth club.

"I had moved to Knitsley, near Consett, and was approached by the YMCA, because they wanted to create a boxing club for the people they work with.

"I know a lot of the lads who go to the boxing club at Consett Sports Centre and there is no problem with another club and we'll help each other out."