AN amateur boxing club is ready to rumble after securing a new home.

Dorchester Amateur Boxing Club has secured a new premises at Physiques and Shapes gym at the Grove in Dorchester.

It was officially opened by the town’s mayor at a special event.

The club says its new home means it can now offer five sessions a week while it continues to fundraise for a training ground of its very own.

The club offers boxers of all ages and abilities the opportunity to train for fitness, discipline and personal development. And after moving to the new location, the club is now looking to encourage even more people to step in to the ring and discover the benefits that boxing can offer.

The club’s head coach and founding member, Ben Geyser, said: “We’re hoping to build it up and get more members.”

Ben - who won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Unsung Hero award in 2008 - has been involved with the sport for almost 70 years.

He added: “Boxing keeps these young people off the streets.

“It teaches them discipline and keeps them fit.”

Ben’s wife Penny, the club’s secretary, said that for some youngsters, joining the club can be the start of going on to bigger and better things.

She said: “These kids aren’t out drinking and they don’t smoke - they’re here learning discipline.

“Many of them go on to join the army, the marines and the navy. They go on to do all sorts.”

The club has relocated several times over the years and made the move to Physiques and Shapes from the Territorial Army on Poundbury Road.

It is looking to raise more than £250,000 for its own facility on land donated by the Duchy of Cornwall on Sawmills Lane.

Mayor of Dorchester, Tim Harries, cut the ribbon at the official opening.

He said: “We have been supporting the club for many years. It’s an excellent club that’s been going for 20 years or so and we have supported it all along.

“It’s an excellent facility for young people.

“It teaches them discipline – not to fight – and it keeps them fit and active.”

The club is offering a free taster session to anybody who is interested in joining.

Anyone aged over 11 is welcome to attend. For more information call 01305 832249.