A Hitchin sports mentoring project with boxercise on the bill aimed at homeless people is becoming a knockout hit.

A programme called Da 1 in Ten Sports Mentoring Projekt based in Bancroft every Friday morning is tailored to help clients with mental health problems, alcohol and drug issues, people with learning difficulties, the homeless and other socially excluded people.

The scheme provides a health and well-being boost to those taking part by teaching them boxing skills and improving their general fitness.

Community sport officer and youth mentor for Child UK, Marc Campbell, takes the ever-growing lessons. Marc, pictured on the left with members, said: “We started with two people and now we’re up to six or seven. We aim to use boxercise to energise members who feel socially excluded.

“The response has been really great. They all enjoy what we’re doing.The benefits are that it helps build self-esteem, respect, discipline, lifestyle skills and self-defence. We are growing all the time. I’m really proud of all the members who take part as they’ve bought in to what we want to achieve.”

To find out more email Marc at majimood@hotmail.com.