MORE than 100 people packed into The School of Hardknox at The Oaktree Arena in Highbridge on Saturday (October 13) to celebrate the launch of a new boxing gym.

The new fitness centre, which was set up by competition boxer Bobby Jones, his wife Josie and Harry Payne, was opened by the Mayor of Highbridge Councillor Bill Hancock and his wife Frances at a special ribbon cutting ceremony.

The boxing gym offers coaching sessions for people of all ages and is kitted out with punching bags, gloves and a boxing ring.

Bobby said: "We have had a phenomenal response from the local community with well over 100 people turning up to check out the gym.

“It’s been such an exciting time for everyone at The School of Hardknox, there is such a high energy throughout the club.

"After a lot of building work, we now have the perfect place to coach and train the boxers

"We can’t wait to see what the future has in store for us.”