BOXING club members who found themselves homeless after a devastating fire are attempting to rebuild their clubhouse.

Members of the Bournemouth Amateur Boxing Club, which was started over 50 years ago, saw years of hard work go up in smoke when the gym they created from an old fumigation building was gutted by fire last November.

All the work to convert the shell of a building at the rear of Stokewood Leisure Centre had been undertaken by volunteers, trainers, boxers and members of the club.

But they are now preparing to start all over again and are appealing for the public's help with their fundraising.

Wendy Dickinson, the club secretary, said they feared their insurance would not cover the full cost of replacing all their equipment.

"The fire has left us with nothing," she said. "The Amateur Boxing Association are letting us use their facilities in Southampton and other local clubs have been really kind but it's not the same as having your own home.

"You don't realise how much equipment you have built up until it's gone. We've now emptied the gym out but we don't think we can salvage anything.

"So we have no equipment and the walls of the building are all cracked with the heat of the fire and need rebuilding. We will probably also need a new roof. It is devastating and the kids are heartbroken."

Over the past five decades, members of the club have raised thousands of pounds for charities by staging shows but they are now hoping to host a massive open show and auction to boost their own appeal.

  • Anyone who would like to help or make a donation can contact the club on 01202 511219.