A NEW boxing gym in Monmouthshire has been officially opened months after securing its new venue.

Around 50 people, including parents and young members, gathered over the weekend for the ribbon to Bertie’s Boxing Gym, based in Sudbrook, to be cut.

A long-term dream for local Martin Lewis, Monmouthshire’s second boxing gym finally became a reality after hundreds of voluntary hours by his team.

Since securing the function room of the Sudbrook Sports and Social Club in October, members of the Severnside community pulled together to offer trade expertise and donate high-end equipment.

“The community have been so supportive and they got behind me from the start,” said Mr Lewis.

“The area has been begging for a boxing gym for some time so the response has just been huge.

An impressive boxing ring dominates the space, while those in training can use punching bags, speed balls and other equipment.

The gym has already built a committed following since first opening its doors last month, with classes on offer to juniors, adults and women.

Mr Lewis and local PC Damian Waite have plans to head out into anti-social behaviour (ASB) hotspots in the area and reach out to youngsters as part of Monmouthshire Youth Service’s ‘Positive Futures’ initiative.

“We’ll introduce ourselves, ask them about any problems they have and see if boxing interests them,” said Mr Lewis.

“It’s about getting kids off the streets and given them something different to get involved in.”

The gym will act in association with Newport’s St Joseph’s ABC, with coaches and boxers from the renowned club coming out in force to support the launch.

One of its coaches, Bill Reynolds, said: “We’re over the moon with the work that Martin and his team have done to build a boxing gym for the kids and for the community. This area was screaming out for another club.”

The opening also received support from politicians including Monmouth MP David Davies, who is a former president of the Welsh Amateur Boxing Association.

He said: “It’s always helpful when another gym opens up as it’s always good to spar and test yourselves against new people. It’s good to have that friendly competition in boxing.”

Monmouthshire County Council leader Peter Fox praised the “fantastic” facilities, adding: “Having this place will give our youngsters a sense of ownership as they come together as a group to train, it’s a really powerful thing.”

After six months, the Sudbrook Sports and Social Club committee will judge the gym’s success and could potentially discuss plans to expand the gym further.

For more information on classes, search for ‘Bertie’s Boxing Gym’ on Facebook.