A Taunton community group will be punching above its weight thanks to a £3,000 grant from the County Gazette's £30,000 Giveaway, in partnership with Somerset Community Foundation.

Hamilton Greens Amateur Boxing Club, based at Taunton Fire Station, was re-born last August after it spent 18 months without a home.

Group commander Andy Newland, of Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, saw the opportunity for the station to host a facility that could help reduce anti-social behaviour in the town by giving young people an opportunity to get off the streets.

The club had previously been asked to leave its base in a church hall.

The club is run by qualified boxing coaches who volunteer their time on weekday evenings.

Coach Darren Pollard said: “We are delighted to get the £3,000. Sports such as boxing provide discipline and improved fitness with the benefit of giving a focus to achieve and take part in something. This builds confidence and a feeling of self-worth.”

Since re-launching in August it has about 20 members but the grant should help it expand by buying new equipment and paying for running costs and training.

Others involved with the project include Dave Entwhistle, Dale Nixon and Courtney Thomas.

The club runs from 7-9pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.