TWO former boxing champions have joined forces with a local environment charity to help young people get fit.

Multi-nations Games silver medalist and Swindon’s first ABA champion Paul Rogers, and Andy Brown, two-times British kick-boxing champion, are launching Scrappers Gym at the Swindon Children’s Scrapstore, in Westmead.

The Scrapstore moved to new premises after the former building in Cheney Manor Industrial Estate was ravaged by fire on January 4.

The pair are now appealing to local people for kit to help get them started.

Paul said: “We are giving our time for free to help local youngsters get fit, get focused, and stay out of trouble.

"We're hoping local businesses and the Swindon community will donate cash or equipment to help the gym punch above its weight.

“We'd welcome donations of any boxing equipment as well as gym equipment."

Olivia McCann, the manager of the Scrapstore is looking forward to the scheme, which comes two months after the charity re-opened in its new premises.

She said: “We’re working with Paul and Andy to provide a safe, supportive and welcoming environment at the new gym for disadvantaged young people from low income communities.

“The gym will support people aged 13 to 24 who want to work out, put something back into their community, gain a qualification or focus their time and energy into positive activities.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for local young people who could not afford to go to commercial gyms, to get fit and learn from professional boxers.

Scrappers Gym will offer personal development programmes for excluded pupils and those not in education, training or employment and accredited training and academic qualifications.

Swindon Children’s Scrapstore is a local community resource centre and environmental charity, which collects businesses redundant reusable materials for the benefit of the local community.

For more information visit the website which can be found at www.scrapstore.co.uk.