YOUNG boxers have celebrated their new talents after completing a sporting initiative.

After nine weeks of free expert training with coaches from Alresford Boxing Club, the participants received their final session where they demonstrated their sparring skills.

It came as part of Colchester Borough Homes’ BoxSmart initiative which provided the free courses for the 12 to 16-year-olds.

Colchester Borough Homes chief executive Philip Sullivan said: “It’s a real joy to see the results of young residents who have worked hard.

“CBH is a leader in providing communities with great experiences, and it’s one of our priorities to continue engaging with residents and providing opportunities to young people in the borough.”

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Dirk Paterson, chairman of the Colchester Borough Homes board, added: “I’d like to offer a huge congratulations to Colchester’s newest boxers.

“Having witnessed their hard work over the past weeks, I can say both the boxers and coaches should be immensely proud.”