The Coalfields Regeneration Trust is backing Jonesys Boxing Club in Plean with an award of £4,100 from its Coalfields Community Investment programme.

The club meets in premises in Plean, donated by Stirling Council. The gym, formerly the clubhouse of the local pigeon club has been re-floored and rewired, and includes a full size boxing ring.

Membership is open to five-year-olds and above. The club current has 40 members, the majority of whom are under 16. Emphasis is given to encouraging individual development, and all members are encouraged to participate in matches.

The club is open for training seven days a week. Mixed training sessions are held three nights a week, with a ladies boxercise class on Tuesdays and junior training on Fridays.

Jonesys is the only facility in Plean offering organised sports training. The nearest alternatives are in Stirling or Falkirk, which makes them impractical for young members.

The club plans to use the award to improve its facilities, to accommodate additional members including upgrading toilet facilities and investing in additional safety and training equipment as well as funding transport to matches.

Additional membership will increase subscription revenue and put the club on a more secure footing.

Bob Young, Scottish trustee of the Coalfields Regeneration Trust who presented the cheque, said: “We are delighted to support Jonesys, which is delivering a tremendous local service and encouraging young people to adopt a healthy lifestyle, which is one of key objectives."