As rates of violent crime in the capital soar, a Clayhall boxing club is offering classes at reduced rates to get young people off of the street and learning self defence.

Redbridge Amateur Boxing Club, in Clayhall Park, Longwood Gardens, is offering one-hour boxing classes on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays every week for the next year for only £2.

The sessions are led by former professional boxer Marc Callaghan and professional sports psychologist Ben Chabane is also on hand to offer support.

“We got fed up hearing about all the crime happening in Clayhall,” said founder Khuram Amin, adding: “We wanted to help tackle all the crime and also help kids get some self defence.”

He added: “We have great role models in the club.

“All are welcome, both men and women.”

Khuram added that the club also hopes to reduce levels of obesity in the borough, which he said was a growing problem.

Find out more at www.redbridgeabc.org