A Girlington boxing academy is proving to be a hit with youngsters and ex-Bradford councillor Amir Hussain, who owns the building where its classes take place, has offered his backing by donating space and money to the project.

Hussain has been inspired by professional boxing coach Inzar Ahmed and his Lights Out Academy, and he was particularly enthusiastic about the scheme's social benefits.

He said: "I am overwhelmed with the amount of kids attending. These kids could be out on the streets doing other things but they're not.

"I want to help as much as possible. Girlington has had some bad spells over the years and I believe Lights Out Boxing Academy is the solution to helping these young kids stay off the streets.

"So many kids are wanting to join the boxing club. It’s like a magnet and I am proud to be able to help.

"I will be running for councillor again this May and if I am selected I will be in a even better position to help further."

The academy is starting to have success in the ring too. Danyal Khan and Mobeen Hussain fought in the club's first ever amateur bouts and both youngsters emerged victorious.

Their success has led them to be entered into next month's Golden Gloves competition, a national boxing event which will be held in Manchester.

The academy currently has 80 pupils, who attend classes from Monday to Saturday. There is an opportunity for everyone to get involved as they have programmes for juniors, seniors, women and those with hearing difficulties.

Anyone who would prefer to be coached one-to-one can attend a private class at the academy.

The club is also holding its first ever show on May 12. There are many businesses backing the event and Inzar expects there to be around 2000 people attending the 15 bouts on offer.

Lights Out only opened its doors in August and Inzar, who had dreamed of setting up a project like this in the area for years, must be delighted to see the fruits of his labour come good.