A BOXING club that has transformed lives at the heart of a Middlesbrough community has received a royal seal of approval.

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is in recognition of years of work that have given young people fresh opportunities while helping to cut down crime and anti-social behaviour.

The Middlesbrough Amateur Boxing Club was nominated by North Ormesby Community Hub manager Val Gibson, leading to a visit by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire Nigel Wood.

Mrs Gibson said: “When the Deputy Lord Lieutenant came and met all of the volunteers at the club, he was overwhelmed by their dedication and commitment.

“The Queen’s Award is richly deserved, and reflects an amazing amount of work to support young people to channel their energy into something positive, and go on to achieve their potential.”

Manager Tony Whitby – Middlesbrough’s 2016 Citizen of the Year – has run the club for more than 20 years and was also invited to Buckingham Palace in honour of his achievements.

He said: “It’s brilliant – not many clubs achieve this, so it’s great for the club and great for the area.

“It’s for all the volunteers and everyone that’s involved with the club, because they’re the ones that keep it alive and keeping growing. Everyone is over the moon."