A BOXING club has opened its doors to the public to encourage more youngsters to take up the sport.

Gravesend's Round One Boxing club, founded by former champion kick-boxer OJ Larmond, aims to encourage local youngsters to swap street corners for sparring sessions.

Yesterday the club held its first ever open day, designed to show off its facilities at the Tenants Community Social Club, in Whitehill Road, Gravesend.

Turn-out for the event was high and Larmond, who first took up the sport 20 years ago, is confident the exhibition will help bolster the club's ranks.

The age range of members is between eight and 50, and unusually the club can also boast a large number of female fighters.

Larmond said: "Some of the girls have come on leaps and bounds they've really impressed me with their dedication and commitment.

"As for the boys, a few of them who for one reason or another perhaps fell into the wrong crowd have really turned their lives around since joining the club.

"We have to impose a fairly strict code of discipline, but so far none of the members have overstepped the mark."

The club holds regular training sessions on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and Sunday afternoons.

Membership for the year costs £35 for adults and £25 for juniors, whilst individual sessions are priced at £5 for non-members, £4 for members and £3 for under-16s.

For more details about the club, call Mr Larmond anytime on 07951 318234.