YOUNG people at a Leytonstone boxing club received a visit from Leyton Orient chairman and sports promoter Barry Hearn.

Mr Hearn visited Box4Life, based in south Leytonstone, which has 40 members aged between 10 and 16.

His visit was part of an open evening, designed to show the community the skills youngsters have learned since the club started in November last year.

Mr Hearn, who used to promote boxing stars including Frank Bruno, Chris Eubank and Lennox Lewis, said: "When I was young I was fiery and boxing made me much more dedicated and focused in what I did.

"Dedication means you can’t afford to turn to drugs, you can’t afford to get mixed up with the police, you can’t afford to fall out with people, because you’re focused on where you going to take yourself.

"Box4Life is the first stage of that learning curve for these kids, of building the confidence and self-esteem they can use as the starting point for their future careers.

"It’s commendable and if I can help in any way I’ll be delighted."

Box4Life is run by the South Leytonstone Area DEvelopment Association (SLADA) and funded by the Home Office through the Community Fund.

The club meets every Tuesday at 6.30pm in the Cann Hall Baptist Church community halls, on Cann Hall Road.

SLADA project director Mark Rule said: "Box4Life sees itself as part of the wider extended family that is the real meaning of community.

"The presence of Barry Hearn and the guidance he has been giving us tells us we’re on the right road.

"However, we need active partners and new volunteers so we can expand to meet the demand for this club."

The club was recently awarded an Active Sport Club grant from Waltham Forest Council, which will be used to pay for equipment, training and a website.

Anyone wanting more information on the club should call 07966 623449.

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