A BOXING club has launched a campaign for people to take up the sport instead of turning to knife crime.

Droitwich Boxing Club, which was set up by Chris Andrews in 1977, has kicked off its campaign, 'Drop the Knives, Pick up the Gloves', which is aimed at getting youngsters off the street and away from crime.

Mr Andrews, founder of the club in Briar Mill, said: “Droitwich is a very safe place to live and thankfully knife violence is extremely rare. That being said, any initiative which gets youths talking and learning about the dangers and consequences of carrying a knife can only be constructive and a good thing.”

The number of fatal stabbings in England last year was the highest since records began in 1946, figures from the Office for National Statistics show.

There were 285 killings by a knife or sharp instrument in the 12 months ending March 2018. The Office for National Statistics say one in four (71) of all victims (285) were men aged 18 to 24.

Head coach at the club, Jayson Doyle, said: “The knife crime epidemic that is sweeping the nation is very alarming. Boxing clubs across the country are reaching out to the kids to try and stem the tide of attacks. The majority of clubs across the country are setting up their own variations on this campaign – we felt it was our duty to do the same.

“Boxing is a great way for kids to come to the gym and learn to control their aggression in a disciplined environment, it’s a great way to keep fit and builds team spirit.”

Simon Graham, from the club, added: “Droitwich is relatively low for knife crime, but we want to nip it in the bud before it arrives. This campaign is important to get kids off the streets and into gyms. We are trying to do our bit to help the community.”

Droitwich Boxing Club has launched their campaign with a new logo and banner donated by the team at Droitwich Sign and Print.

Over the coming months the club will be going through a rebrand starting with its new website, donated to the club by businessman Paul Mathews of Steak Festival Creative Digital Agency based in Droitwich.

Mr Mathews said: “This boxing club has done so much for the town over the years, so to give something back to help and support what is a local institution has been our pleasure.”

See dabc.org.uk for more.

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