L to R Aran Mount and Nathan Greenwood

A BOXING club set up by officers from Catterick Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team is proving to be a knockout success.

The Joint Amateur Boxing Scheme (JABS) set up by PCSO Judith Allan produced two winners at the recent Northumberland Association of Clubs for Young People tournament last month.

Nathan Greenwood, 16, from Richmond and Aran Mount, 16, from Brough with St Giles both won their fights against opponents from the Grainger Park club. Head Coach Alan Robinson said: “They boxed well and represented the club with pride.”

JABS was established after PCSO Judith Allan and PC Carol Schofield asked young people in the Richmondshire area what they would like to do with their spare time.

The vast majority opted for a boxing club which opened in April 2008 as a partnership venture between North Yorkshire Police’s Safer Neighbourhoods Team, the Richmondshire Community Safety partnership, the Army and several local businesses.

PCSO Allen said: “The project provides positive interaction between the police and young people, helping to reduce crime and anti social behaviour.” The club which is based at Marne Barracks, Catterick Village now boasts 30 members, both male and female aged 11-18.

Training sessions are twice weekly from 6.30pm - 8pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, consisting of circuits, bag and pad work, shadow boxing and foot work followed by the opportunity to spar at the end.

Anyone interested in JABS can contact Judith Allan on 0845 60 60 247 for more information.