A boxing club which helps vulnerable youngsters has started a second group in the area after securing funding.

Box Cleva, which currently runs a group in Letchworth GC, branch out to Hitchin on Thursday night for a 40-week programme, thanks to a £1,500 grant from the town’s North Herts District Council area committee.

The Letchworth GC group’s future has also be secured for the next 12 months following a grant for the same amount from the town’s own area committee.

Box Cleva was launched in January last year to teach young people about health and fitness through non-contact boxing and give them a chance to develop teamwork, self confidence and resilience skills.

Head coach Jamie Stanley said: “Box Cleva is really good for kids because it channels aggression by getting them involved in sport. It’s not just about fitness either because we teach the kids about crime, drugs and smoking to try and educate them away from these things.”

Mr Stanley revealed that the group helps children who aren’t interested in boxing get involved in other sports.

He added: “If kids get referred to us but don’t particularly like boxing then we will try and contact another local group and get them along there.”

About starting a new group in Hitchin, Box Cleva chairman Bob Williams said: “This outstanding award-winning initiative is gathering pace throughout the county, tackling obesity, and anti-social behaviour and teaching children respect and discipline in a safe environment. The trainers are great positive male role models and the children don’t just get fitter, they are educated in substance awareness and healthy eating.”

The Letchworth GC group meets every Wednesday at the Garden City Academy in Radburn Way from 4.30pm to 6pm, while the first Hitchin sessions run at the same time every Thursday at Wayne Armstrong’s Boxing Gym in Station Approach.

For more information about either group email Jamie Stanley via jamiepaul1078@yahoo.co.uk or call 07887 406616.