A £76,000 National Lottery grant has enabled the trustees of the Five Star Youth Club, Gooshay Drive, Harold Hill, to open a new gymnasium.

The extension, which was officially opened on Wednesday, has been long awaited, says Tony Conway who, for the past 25 years, has been secretary of the club.

"We had planning permission to build an extension in 1977 but we didn't have the money," he explained, "but, thanks to the National Lottery and help from the National Association of Boys' Clubs, plus some money of our own, the building has now been completed."

Other work has included the building of a new ladies' shower and disabled toilet facilities. "We have now got the gymnasium up and running, and currently the club is doing very well," said Tony.

"We have also received some financial backing from Mr Jack Petchey, a Chelmsford man who has been very good to us. In fact, over the last 12 to 18 months, Mr Petchey has given us more than £1,000."

Although other sports such as karate are catered for at the club, boxing is the mainstay. "We held our first open meeting here on February 18," said Tony, "and the place was packed out. It was a very successful event that raised money.

"On Monday evening we had around 50 young lads from the local area working out in the gym. The day before several lads turned up to help decorate the inside of the gym.

"Havering Sports Council has also helped us out. As a result we can now instal a new shower boiler and can buy some new equipment."

Many of the young lads attending the gym for training will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of professional boxers Dominic Negus and Lee Georgiou who both trained at Five Star as amateurs under the guidance of their trainer Lenny Butcher.

Now the equipment that occupied the former gym has been removed, the club has more room to host other activities, such as dancing, in its large hall.

As Tony happily commented: "We certainly look to be on the up and up."

Cawshing in: Boxing trainer Lenny Butcher and professional boxer Lee Georgiou are pictured with the secretary of Five Star Youth Club, Tony Conway as they check out the club's new facilities.

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