A former world champion, a radio presenter and an MP topped the bill when they opened Ashford Boxing Club’s new headquarters.

Ashford MP Damian Green, kmfm presenter John ‘Webbo’ Webster and former boxer Barry McGuigan were the VIPs at the unveiling of the club’s new base in the old Ashford South School, off Jemmett Road, on Thursday night.

The club first opened in 1965, and was based in the Stanhope community centre until the building was demolished as part of the area’s regeneration.

Thanks to funding help from Ashford Borough Council and Kent County Council, the club, which is run by volunteers, now has a new home.

Around 70 people attended the event, where 20 club members and five members of staff and trainers gave demonstrations of exercises such as skipping, shadow boxing, and sparring.

Kent resident Barry McGuigan said: "Ashford Boxing Club has been around for a long time so I’m delighted to see it here in its new home.

"It’s thanks to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved that the club now has such a brilliant new facility. This area has a great tradition for boxing and this club will help to give more kids from the local community the chance to get learn about the sport and maybe produce a future champion."

Damian Green said: "This is great news for boxing and for sport in general in Ashford. Boxing can be an enormous force for good in the local community and I’m delighted to be here to formally open the Ashford Boxing Club and welcome it to its new home."