An amateur boxing club has received a £1,000 boost which will go towards new equipment to help members get fighting fit.

Swale Gloves Amateur Boxing Club received the donation from Persimmon Homes as part of its Community Champions initiative.

The boxing club, based at Kemsley Community Centre, has been running for 12 years and runs solely on donations.

It aims to provide a safe and inclusive environment for people of all ages and backgrounds to improve their physical and mental well-being.

The club's dedication to helping members achieve healthy lifestyles and personal goals has made it a valuable asset to the local community.

The money will go towards new exercise bikes.

John Williams, manager at Swale Gloves Amateur Boxing Club, said: "Our club is incredibly important for the local community and we run solely on donations. This grant will go a long way to support our members and encouraging healthy lifestyles."

Persimmon Hopes representatives attended an evening training session to meet members and were joined by chairman Mark Fin and Cllr Mike Dendor, who is Kent County Councillor for Sittingbourne North and Swale Borough Councillor for Kemsley.

Cllr Dendor has worked closely with Kemsley Community Centre as a trustee as well as being the treasurer and managing clerk.

He said: "The donation will help Swale Gloves, who run their boxing and fitness sessions at the centre, to continue their outstanding contribution to the local community in giving youngsters a place that they can work off their energy, gain skills, be motivated, learn discipline, whilst also feeling safe."

Natasha Stevens, from Persimmon Homes, added: "The club's commitment to helping people improve their physical and mental well-being is truly admirable and we're proud to support such a worthy cause.

"With the support of Persimmon's Community Champions scheme, the club can continue to provide a safe and inclusive environment for members to develop new skills and improve their fitness."