BRADFORD'S next generation of champion boxers could come from a new partnership between a school and a club.

Fighters will step into the ring at the Carlton Police Boxing Academy based at Carlton Bolling College, in Undercliffe Lane.

The school has refurbished its former Duke of Edinburgh Awards Centre into a community boxing gym.

The facility is the new home for the Bradford Police Boys Amateur Club, run by Julian Cyprien, which is moving from its Nelson Street base in the city.

It was officially opened by Bradford's former British lightweight boxing champion Bobby Vanzie.

The partnership developed after Carlton Bolling College's head teacher Adrian Kneeshaw visited the Bradford Police Boys Amateur Club and was impressed with the commitment of the young people involved.

Mr Kneeshaw said: "As a school we are all about raising aspirations and promoting excellence and the Boxing Academy supports this ethos.

"We are looking forward to seeing future champions emerge from the Carlton Police Boxing Academy gym who can help to put Bradford firmly on the map."

Councillor Imran Khan, Bradford Council's executive member for education, employment and skills, said: "I am very pleased to see the new Carlton Police Boxing Academy being launched at Carlton Bolling College.

"This is a great example of one of our schools working in partnership with a sports club in Bradford to benefit both pupils and the wider community."