YOUNG boxers from a south Durham club will get a taste of paradise when they make their first overseas trip next week.

A squad of ten boxers from Bishop Auckland Amateur Boxing Club will visit part of central Europe known as the Bohemian Paradise, in the Czech Republic.

Since a fresh management and coaching team joined the club, on the Woodhouse Close Estate, two years ago it has enjoyed a new lease of life.

They have raised money to replace the roof and windows and refurbished a former Scout hut into a clubhouse.

The week-long visit to Jicin, an hour's drive away from the historic city of Prague, will be one of the biggest achievements in more than two decades of the club.

It is hoped that the visit will not only be a wonderful experience for the 12 to 22-year-olds taking part but will also help to boost the club's reputation and encourage members to join.

Vice-president Peter McPartland said: "We want to get more kids coming through the door and show that we are a professionally-run club.

"We've come a long way in less than two years and we've some talented and dedicated members. The response we got from foreign clubs who wanted to pair up with English clubs for trips, which could end up being an annual exchange, was overwhelming."