Boxing coaches who give up their spare time to help keep kids off the streets have been nominated for a Pride in Medway Award.

Chris Ripley and Kevin Coleman teach at the ABC Boxing Club, Darnley Road, Strood.

Chris founded the club a year ago. It now has more than 50 members, aged eight to adult.

Chris and Kevin run classes four nights a week, charging a small fee for sessions to make sure they are affordable for everyone.

Chris, 44, has been boxing since he was seven.

He said: "Boxing is in my blood. I started at St Mary's Boxing Club in Chatham when I was a child because my dad was a coach.

"I decided to get into coaching because our area really needed something for the kids to do.

"It is really nice to be nominated for a Pride in Medway Award."

"We are a community club - we care a lot about the community and the children in it.

"All the coaches are volunteers who give up their time for nothing. We have only been going a year and already had some great achievements."

Chris and Kevin were put forward for an award in the community involvement category by Luna Travers, whose two daughters Shanti, 12, and Paige, 10, attend the club.

Luna, 41, of Quixote Crescent, Frindsbury, said: "Chris and Kevin give all their time to the club, encouraging all the children and adults who attend.

"There is very little for kids to do in the area, except hang around on the streets. The sessions only cost £1.50 which means I can afford to send my daughters twice a week.

"Boxing is a very disciplined sport and it helps my children in many ways. They both love it.

"Nominating Chris and Kevin for a Pride in Medway Award is my way of saying thank you for helping to boost my children's self-esteem and keeping them fit."