A BOXING club which opened less than a year ago will host its first show this weekend.

Seconds Out Boxing Academy, based at Ferryhill Community Hub, hopes its show on Saturday, April 5, will be the first of many successful annual events.

There will be 12 bouts in which homegrown stars, from 11-years-old to seniors, step into the ring against boxers from across the North.

Coach Paul Eddy said: “We only started the club on July 1 last year and are getting 35 youngsters three nights a week along with senior boxers.

“Some boxers just started training in October and four members will be having their first contest on Saturday, all the boxers will be proud to represent the town.

“We’re expecting a crowd of 400 people and have gone overboard with the trophies and belts to make it a prestigious event, holding a show is the dream for a boxing club and we hope it is the first of many.”

Preparations for the show included a visit by IBF world bantamweight champion Stuart Hall, of Darlington, last month.

Mr Eddy said: “He helped us to motivate the youngsters into staying in education and to try to make something of their lives before they left school.”

And on Saturday, March 29, the club raised £952.32 towards a team strip and equipment by packing bags at Sainsbury's supermarket, in Bishop Auckland.

Doors open from noon on Saturday and the boxing starts at 1pm.

Tickets are £15 on the door or £10 in advance from Mr Eddy on 07767-872210.