PORTLAND Amateur Boxing Club is calling on the help of local businesses.

The island outfit is currently without a sponsor and club secretary Vince Ealson has labelled the absence as a "major blow" given that the new season has begun and members are already being booked to box afar afield as London, Bideford and Swindon.

Ealson said: "The club failed to get a kit sponsor last season as well and when we travel we do look like the poor little club.

"Other clubs look great in their kits, all looking the same. Our boys box in a right mixture - black, red, blue and green kits.

"It's a shame because some of the boys put a huge amount of effort in and with nine of our boxers in championships this year it is frustrating.

"Boxing as a sport is not the most popular and on Portland we do have a small catchment area so we struggle most of the time.

"This year not many new members have entered the club as of yet but numbers always are up and down.

"Many lads just think you get straight into the ring, instead they do not realise the amount of training it takes to get to the level to compete.

"As a club we would love to hear from a local business who might be interested in helping out. And we can offer a good package."

Anyone interested can contact Ealson on 07732220362 for further details.