THE Dorset Youth Association are celebrating their 70th anniversary of supporting youth clubs and groups across Dorset, and as a member, Dorchester Amateur Boxing Club, was invited to celebrate the special event with a garden party.

All the club was told was that a high-profile visitor would be in attendance to meet the young people from the clubs and groups, with their mentors and leaders.

Dorchester ABC head coach Ben Geyser also invited three of the club’s youngsters who had been outstanding in the boxing ring during the year – Ollie-Luke Breen, Angus Dunn and Sol Gilday-Evans – to attend the event as a reward for all their hard work.

The excitement rose when they found out it would be Prince Edward, HRH The Earl of Wessex, joining them at Moreton Gardens.

The Prince was introduced to each club and spoke to each of the Dorchester members. He asked what they did and was told about the fitness training, bag work, running and ring work. He then asked how good each of them was, and jokingly Angus challenged the Prince to find out.

The whole day was a delightful and memorable success, enjoyed by all. And meeting the prince will long be remembered.