A champion boxer visited Watford Boxing Club this week in a bid to get more young people in the town to take up the sport.

Hannah Beharry went to the club to encourage more residents aged 11 to 25 to join in a series of free boxing sessions as part of Watford Borough Council’s Sportivate programme.

Athlete mentor, Hannah said: “I wanted to get involved because I want to play my part in helping young people change their lives.

"Through telling my own life story the students have a real life example of someone from a disadvantaged background who was ‘destined to fail’ and has, in fact, managed, through determination, confidence and ambition, to change their life and overcome obstacles to achieve things beyond their wildest dreams.

“Sport has helped me to turn my life around, helping me to gain confidence in myself, grow as a person, meet new people and become the person I am today.”

Watford Boxing Club recently relocated to a new fit-for-purpose building in Woodside.

Elected Mayor of Watford Dorothy Thornhill added: “Since 2011 Sportivate has given lots of Watford young people a chance to do something they might not otherwise get a chance to. It's a great programme that encourages young people to give a new sport a go.”