A boxing trainer and his businessman pal are planning to turn an old joinery workshop into a gym to keep village youngsters out of trouble.

Former professional boxer Danny Parkinson and Ashley Parkin-Beacher say they are pulling no punches and are determined to see it happen in Thornton, Bradford.

They are looking into renting the Thornton premises Ashfield Works at the back of the Great Northern pub.

As well as drawing up a business plan to run the gym that will give young people a new place to go, get fit and boost self-esteem, the pair are in the midst of organising a charity boxing night for Help For Heroes at the Hilton Hotel, Bradford, on Friday, June 17.

The organisers are also looking for local businesses willing to sponsor the event, which will be made up of eight fights.

Boxers trained by Mr Parkinson will be in the ring with boxers from a training gym in Blackpool.

The men behind the gym idea are both friends who live in Thornton. They met when Mr Parkin-Beacher, who runs a telecommunications business in Bradford, wanted a personal trainer.

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