A NEW gym aiming to divert young people away from a life of crime and anti-social behaviour has opened in Bradford.

The Lion Gym, in Robin Mills, Greengates, will run boxing and fitness classes alongside sessions tackling issues such as drug awareness, healthy eating, and knife crime.

Police Community Support Officer and boxing coach Khalil Alam said the new project had been developed on the back of a successful boxing initiative with West Yorkshire Police.

He said as well as having paying members, the gym would host free ten-week programmes in conjunction with youth services in areas such as Ravenscliffe and Thorpe Edge to cater for local youngsters.

"The problem is that young people have nowhere to go and nothing to do," said Mr Alam.

"Boxing is an activity that engages them, and it's something they enjoy doing.

"Here they will have the right mentors, and the plan is to do targeted work with the police and youth services and offer the sessions for free."

The gym was officially opened by Councillor Joanne Dodds, the Lord Mayor of Bradford, alongside boxers from the Great Britain Olympic Boxing Team, who performed an exhibition workout.