A TEAM GB boxer has shown his support for a council-run scheme aimed at getting young people more active and keeping them away from trouble.

Olympic hopeful Lewis Richardson, 22, visited Colchester Borough Homes' Box Smart initiative where he demonstrated his skills on the pads and spoke about his progression into boxing and the Team GB programme.

Box Smart provides free boxing coaching from qualified coaches who act as role models to disadvantaged youngsters and those vulnerable to the dangers of County Lines and knife crime.

Gareth Mitchell, Colchester Borough Homes' chief executive, said: "It’s fantastic to see the Box Smart participants getting stuck into this fantastic project, and it’s a privilege to have Lewis join us and offer his support.

“Projects such as this make a real positive impact on both local communities and individuals and help make our community plan work.”

Visit cbhomes.org.uk.