PORTLAND Amateur Boxing Club have received a £250 boost courtesy of a mystery donor.

Echosport recently reported that the island club has had to make do without a main sponsor for the past two years. One Portland-based business has come forward to offer its help since and the boxing club is hopeful a deal can be struck soon.

The donation from a member of the local community though, which will be spent on purchasing a new gym clock, has already put a smile on the face of Portland ABC secretary Vince Ealson.

He said: "It's great news because the club hasn't got a proper ring timer for the gym and it is always a vital piece of equipment that a boxing gym needs.

"Unfortunately it is always put aside as more pressing things are needed. Up until now the coaches rely on a normal clock on the wall which distracts them from their coaching.

"The club would have loved to have the secret benefactor come and present the cheque for the media but he has decided to remain out of the spotlight.

"However, he did say that he hopes his donation will highlight the club's needs, and possibly encourage local firms or individuals to match his donation.

"The club plays a big role in the community not only showing the young lads and lasses on the island the skills in boxing but regularly helping out at local events, and the members can be seen at the Dumble Dimble and Portland 10 runs."

Ealson also confirmed that the new gym clock will be installed free of charge by another helping hand.

He added: "A local man has also contacted the club offering to install the wiring and clock at the gym free of charge, which is great news as well.

"The club is trying hard to raise funds, especially if the club is successful in attaining permission to build its extension. So any help certainly does go a long way.

"We don't want to build a big extension, just enough to relocate the office and ring to allow a bigger floor area and a much needed female changing room and toilets."