The new gym is kitted out with everything needed for boxing training

John Watkins, who runs the Kings Head in Pontnewydd, near Cwmbran offered to give the upstairs room to the Torfaen Warriors amateur boxing club.

The club had been without a permanent gym for two years and was struggling to afford the cost of hiring room at a nearby health club.

And it is hoped that a boxing ring will soon be fitted at the venue.

Simon Weaver, the Warriors head coach said that spiralling costs to hire out rooms meant that the club had been facing closure.

"There was no way we could continue like we were," he said.

"We were facing closure if we couldn't find a gym to call our own.

The new gym means the club has a permanent base

"A boxing club needs to have a permanent home to be successful and grow, otherwise it's hard to get people training regularly," he said.

He said that it was pure chance that led to Mr Watkins offering his function room to the club.

"One of the members had gone into the pub to ask about a premises nearby that we were thinking of renting," said Mr Weaver.

"John used to be a boxer himself and when he heard he offered us his function room.

"We asked him how much he wanted for it but he knows how tight things are so he has let us have it for free.

"It is going to make a huge amount of difference to the club having a permanent base."

There is not a lot for the youngsters to do around here so the club will provide them with something to do John Watkins, landlord

Members of the club are now hoping that they will soon raise enough money to pay for a boxing ring to be installed in the fully equipped gym.

Mr Watkins said that he was pleased to help the club by offering them the function room.

"It was only being used about three or four times a year and I thought it would be a good idea when I heard," he said.

"There is not a lot for the youngsters to do around here so the club will provide them with something to do.

"It is for everyone and even my 13-year-old daughter Sophie is training there now.