A new sports community club has launched to get children active is appealing for more young pe0ple to come along and join in the fun.

It already has a core of members in double figures who have enjoyed playing cricket and football.

Now as it moves on to boxing, it is looking for new recruits to stay fit and healthy and develop a hobby that could become a professional career.

Based at Bangor Street Community Centre on Norwich Street, Blackburn, the club is open to children over the age of ten.

A wide range of sports are available free of charge.

Taking place every Thursday from 6pm until 7.30pm, a range of activities are run by the 'Bangor Street Sports Club' , including cricket and boxing, with something for everyone.

The project is funded by Lancashire Sport through ‘Positive Together’. and supported by Blackburn with Darwen Brough Council.

Bangor Street's community development officer Iqbal Bhai said: "We've got a core of young people together but we are now looking for more.

"It's been running for a few weeks and been a great success.

"Those who came really enjoyed the cricket and football.

"We're moving onto boxing for the next few weeks and we are appealing for local young people to come along and sign up.

"It's great way for young people to get healthy and fit and enjoy themselves.

"The club is a good alternative to hanging round on street corners.

"We're going to do the full range of sports including cricket, football, boxing, badminton, basketball and whatever else the young people want.

"IWe want the young people to try out a variety of sports and find out what they enjoy and what they are good at.

"We can then direct them to local clubs to take it further.

"It would be great if one or two of them made a professional career out of it.

"Hopefully a lot of them will take up a sport as a hobby that will keep them fit and healthy for years to come."

Blackburn with Drawen council culture leisure and young people boss Damian Talbot said: "This is a fantastic service which provides a way for young people to get involved in sport, get active and maybe try something new.

"Helping our young people stay active and lead healthy lifestyles is extremely important, and that young people can learn new skills at the same time is a really good thing.”

For more information you can call 01254 691551.