CARE home staff organised a boxing match to spur on a resident who used to pack a punch in the ring.

Ex-boxer Ernie Rudall, 99, enjoyed watching members of Weymouth Amateur Boxing Club in action at Legh House Care Home in Wyke Regis, Weymouth.

Boxing demonstrations took place thanks to staff who organised the special event for Ernie as he approaches his 100th birthday.

Locum manager of Legh House Julia White said: “Ernie had a fantastic time.

“I decided to contact Weymouth Boxing Club because I knew Ernie used to be an excellent boxer and it is important to get the residents to interact. He is 99 now so anything like this that will rekindle memories is really worthwhile.”

John Rudall and Jean Scammell, Ernie’s son and daughter, attended the event and said it was a really special moment.

Mr Rudall, 74, said: “To see dad enjoy himself has been great. He was a great boxer in his time and hopefully this will bring back some good memories. It is so good of Legh House to do this for him. We are looking forward to his 100th birthday.”

Mrs Scammell said their family really appreciated all the effort the staff had made.

Ernie, who was an avid boxer and pigeon racer, spent the rest of the afternoon looking at memorabilia from his younger years.

This included a newspaper article from 1939 which praised his ‘sound defence’ and ‘very powerful swing punch’ in a boxing match held in Weymouth.

Weymouth Amateur Boxing Club members spent time talking to residents after the fight.

John Corson, 13, a member of the boxing club said: “I’ve enjoyed today. I hope I live to 99. My whole family have been involved with boxing so I like to get involved in this.”

David Nelmes, 66, a coach from the boxing club said it was a really special event.

He added: “Boxing teaches discipline and control.

“I think Ernie enjoyed it.”