Colin Jones hopes to expand the club to take more youngsters

Penyrheol Amateur Boxing Club near Swansea is trying to renew the lease on its small clubhouse and raise funds to extending the building.

There is a waiting list for places.

Mr Jones, who fought three times for a world title in the early 1980s, said the gym helped keep youngsters off the streets and out of trouble.

It is housed in a small concrete and corticated iron building that dates back to 1954.

The club is in negotiations with Swansea Council to renew the lease on the land and if successful will apply to the Sports Council of Wales for around £50,000 in funding to extend it.

Former British, European and Commonwealth welterweight champion Mr Jones said: "I first came here in 1968 - I was nine years of age and this is where I started and learnt my trade.

All the boys enjoy it but, as you can see, a little extra money for the place would not go amiss. Liam Ellis

"My boy started here about three years ago - I've been back in the gym about a year-and-a-half and we've been trying to raise funds ever since."

He said it attracted around 30 youngsters three nights a week after school but they could not accommodate any more.

"It's a very important year for the existence of the Penyrheol Boxing Club - this year is either going to make the club or break the club.

"We are trying to get our lease renewed for a minimum period of 15 years and should we get that we can put our application in for the grant.

"We are not lacking in young fighters and competitors, but what we are lacking is a bigger building because there really is not enough room for the fighters we've got.

"Only last year our local comprehensive school burnt down - I switched on the news and the police were saying they've got a big problem in Penyrheol with kids walking around the area with nothing to do in the nights.

Colin Jones started his boxing career in the gym at the age of nine

"Not everyone can make a fighter, but there is always a place for them here in the gym to learn a bit of discipline and to put them on the straight and narrow should they fall by the wayside.

"We've done that on several occasions to several children but I can't emphasis enough how important it is we double the size of the gym here now."

The youngsters pay a small subscription each night but the building, boxing ring, punch bags, gloves and other equipment are all paid for through fundraising and sponsorship.

It attracts youngsters of all ages.

Liam Ellis, 17, said: "It keeps my fitness up a lot and it's really good fun.