AN AMATEUR boxing club is at last planning its first showcase since it had to shut-down during the coronavirus lockdown.

Carlisle Villa Amateur Boxing Club is again looking to host an event at the city's Crown and Mitre Hotel, English Street, on November 20.

Covid-19 has meant that the club, based on Currock Road, had to cancel two similar events this year.

Head coach Jimmy Brennan has been keeping boxers of all ages fighting fit by holding daily video training sessions on Facebook.

Jimmy said: "In the mornings I would go down and do a fitness session for everyone to follow online.

"It was mainly for the boxers but we've found that many friends and family were also taking part.

"It is just a way of keeping everyone interested, the kids who are 10 to 14 have been great."

He added that those who were not so dedicated were "in for shock" when training at the gym re-starts.

Jimmy said: "Hopefully we will be able to confirm the show, we've had to cancel two previously because of the coronavirus."

The club had been planning to re-open in early July but plans have been delayed after boxing clubs and gyms were excluded from a Government list of places that could reopen from July 4.

Jimmy now said that they were looking at opening in the middle of next month and they were also looking at measures, such as hand sanitiser, that would allow them to do this safely.

He added: "We are not just a boxing club, we are a community.

"We hold women only boxing classes and classes for people with mental health issues, as part of an initiative twice a week - when we were running this we even had guys who had come off their medication, so its fingers crossed that we'll be able to open."

The club is for people of all ages, aged 5 upwards, and is a registered charity, run by volunteers.

During the lockdown it received a business grant which helped it pay for basics like water and electricity.

The club was formed in 1993, after Currock Villa Boys Club and its leader invited it to use Currock Villa as a base.

Their previous base, the club hut for Harraby Catholic Club, had been served a notice of demolition.

When the club was based in Harraby it was known as Christus Rex, it had been formed in the early 1970’s.

Tickets for the show will be available approximately six weeks before the event and can be bought through the club.

Anyone who is interested in attending sessions at the gym, or would like to offer help, should go to the Carlisle Villa Amateur Boxing Club Facebook page for more information.