WINSFORD Amateur Boxing Club is hoping to complete a major refurbishment to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

Big-hearted volunteer coaches have trained thousands of children and are now appealing for a sponsor.

The non-profit making club is seeking funding for building work and equipment.

A crowdfunding appeal has been launched to raise £30,000.

Skilled tradesmen at the club have volunteered their time and labour.

Boxing coach Terry Tickle says the club has transformed the lives of generations of youngsters.

"It gives children confidence and self esteem," said dad-of-three Terry, from Winsford, who has run the club for the past 10 years. "Apart from the social skills and learning the sport, it is also good for for fitness."

The club was founded in 1969 at the Grange estate youth centre by Glaswegian boxer John Inglis and Liverpudlian boxer Tom Blackmore, now a Winsford town councillor.

Cllr Blackmore heads up the club and devotes a lot of time offering support and expertise.

The Royle Street gym premises opened in 1970 and the club became affiliated with the Amateur Boxing Association.

"People come at different stages in their life," said Terry, who took up amateur boxing whilst serving in the army. "Our oldest person training is 69 and the youngest is nine.

"We have girls and boys and charge only £1 for children aged nine to 16."

The gym provides gloves for new starters.

Many adult boxers who now train first walked through the door more than 40 years ago.

Wayne Walklate, 48, joined the club when he was seven, Michael Simpson, 46, started when he was 11, and Ritchie Allen first boxed for the club at the age of 14.

Volunteers give up their time to qualify as certified coaches to provide expert tuition and support.

"This boxing club over the years has helped trained thousands of local children within our region the art of the Queensbury rules of amateur boxing, "said Terry, who joined the club when he was nine.

"We have brought together long lasting friendships, helped with children's confidence and in some cases assisted with keeping kids on the straight and narrow.

"It also helps improve mental health and combat stress.

"There is a great family atmosphere. The local community is aware of what we do. We know people who will come down and help with the building work and trades. We are looking for support from a large company willing to become a sponsor."

To donate visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/terry-tickle?utm_id=1&utm_term=RgAKgAQpn

Any company wishing to sponsor the club can email terry.tickle@sky.com.