A MAN who set up a boxing club has been recognised for his work in helping to divert young people away from anti-social behaviour.

Martin Lewis, who runs Bertie’s Caldicot Amateur Boxing Club (ABC) in Sudbrook, has received a Citizen’s Award from Caldicot Town Council. Mr Lewis said the gym, set up in January, has helped hundreds of young people and is making a positive impact in the community.

“The gym was set up to provide for the community and especially to help kids off the streets and divert them from anti-social behaviour,” said Mr Lewis, 32, of Longfellow Place, Caldicot.

“When I was a child I had nothing to do and when I found a boxing gym it changed my life.

“I want to help others who are less fortunate to have that same opportunity.”

Caldicot town Cllr Joel Williams, a former boxer himself, nominated Mr Lewis for the award in recognition of the impact of the gym.

He said the gym is much-needed in the area and will help encourage more young people into the sport.

Town Cllr Jeff Williams, whose two sons (including Joel) were boxers, said the award was "very well-deserved."

He said: "Both of my sons were boxers but we had to travel from Caldicot to boxing clubs in Chepstow and Newport.

"It takes a lot of time, effort and commitment, especially with boxing because it requires a lot of training.

"The boxing club has provided Caldicot with something that was not here before.

"Both Joel and myself totally understand that there was this lack of provision in Caldicot.

"Martin Lewis has put something into the community that was lacking."

As well as helping young people, Mr Lewis also hopes to encourage people with disabilities to join.

A s a trainer, he has helped motorbike crash survivor , Gareth Hughes, in his bid to walk again.

Unable to speak, sit up or pick up a pen, Mr Hughes was told it was unlikely he would ever be able to walk again.

Mr Lewis has been coaching Mr Hughes as part of his recovery so that he can hopefully achieve a long-held dream to have a boxing match.