Youngsters in Wem have the chance to take up a new sport after a boxing club was established in the town.

The Salop Boxing Club, which is based in Shrewsbury, has spread its wings and has set up a gym on the Wem Business Park, which is located at the back of the Castle Hotel on the high street.

Wem Town Councillor Phil Moyse, the oldest of 13 children and bought up on a council estate, gave them a talk on how boxing turned his life around.

Clly Moyse joined the RAF as a physical training instructor before becoming a parachute jump instructor, leading to an exciting and very interesting life so far.

He added: “I am thrilled to be able to help and give advice when I can.

“The response has been incredible, with classes for children, teenagers and adults being extremely well attended.

“This has been a boost for Rob O’Keefe and his daughter Brydie, who didn’t expect this kind of reaction.

“Rob has been involved in boxing for years as a boxer and a coach.

“Rob’s experience and knowledge has been gained through hard work with Salop Boxing Club in Shrewsbury.

“It is great that him and his daughter are starting up in Wem.”

There is a local and personal connection for Cllr Moyse as it transpired that he used to coach Rob when he was in the RAF and when he coached at Severnside Boxing Club in Shrewsbury.

He added: “Brydie is a qualified and totally dedicated boxing coach who knows how to get the best out of everyone participating in the gym.

“Her youth and personality is a great asset to our new club in Wem.”

Wem police community support officer Mark Davies secured some funding from ‘Energise’ and has 16 young people who “claimed to have been bored with nothing to do in Wem” but are now enjoying the training experience of boxing every Friday evening from 6pm to 7pm.

n The opening times for the club at Unit 5 Wem Business Park are:

n Mondays 6pm – 8pm

n Tuesdays 5pm – 6pm Youth (under-10s), 6pm Juniors (10 - 16), 7pm to 8pm (17+)

n Thursdays 5pm Youth (under-10s)

n Fridays 6pm – 7pm Juniors (10 - 16), 7pm to 8pm (17+)

n Contact Rob on 07593 638381 if you are interested in joining an exciting sport.