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This month Asian Image Sport begins a campaign to make a difference to the communities you live in.

We are joining forces with a Lancashire Boxing Club to help it raise over £30,000 to kit out its dilapidated premises.

There are not many people who have to re-mortgage their house at the age of fifty-three.

And there are far fewer who have done it to buy run-down premises for a boxing club.

Yaqoob Hussain is well known throughout the region for his love of the sport. He has been involved in boxing in one way or another for nearly three decades but now he is challenged with his biggest fight yet as the club looks to move to new premises. The Audley Police Boxing Club in Blackburn atttracts youngsters from across the community.

"When we began it was very hard work. in 2002 I had six people turning out at Audley Sports Community Centre, now our membership has gone up to over 80.

"We have had 50-60 youngsters turning up in one night and now run six sessions a week. The old place is therefore just not big enough to accommodate the numbers.

"Anyone who has run a club will know there is a lot of work you have to put in just to get things started."

"It is a thankless task and there is not real financial reward. People run clubs because they love the sport and want to make a difference to the communties they live-in."

"After years of searching we have found premises at Perseverance Mill on Thornley Avenue - but they need to be totally revamped."

Yaqoob said the new premises need rewiring, plumbing and a new central heating system installed as well as general maintenance.

"We've got the ring, the pads, the gloves and punch bags, we just need somewhere to put them all.

"Over £30,000 needs to spent on bringing the premises up to scratch."

"Now, I know there are many appeals going on but we want people with businesses to come forward and help us in any way they can.

"You can supply materials if it suits you."

"There is a real need for the community to wake-up and realise that sport can have far-reaching positive consequences in helping to shape attitudes amongst the young.

"The club has always been open to all communties. This type of facility is for the future. It will have effects for the wider community and the public."

11:47am Wednesday 12th March 2008

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