MP Simon Hart has been ‘knocked out’ by ambitious plans for a new boxing club in Pembroke Dock.

Pembroke Boxing Club has been operating out of the old Eastgate School hall in the town since the 60s and has more than 100 members, but the building is dilapidated and no longer fit for purpose.

The charity that runs the club has raised more than £100,000 and with the support of 14 Signal Regiment and Sport Wales has bought the former J1 Fitness building in Water Street, Pembroke Dock.

They club will be moving, and also opening a weight-lifting facility, in early March.

But their plans don’t stop there.

“We are aiming to set up a free-running club as well as a sports café come development centre where youngsters can come to get on-the-job training in things like food hygiene,” said club chairman Chris McEwen who was an Army chef for 10 years.

“I want to use my skills and knowledge to help local youngsters, there is so much unemployment in Pembroke Dock.”

The club is now setting about raising another half a million pounds to help see its ambitious plans come to fruition, and is applying for grants from the National Lottery and sports organisations.

Local MP Simon Hart had a tour of the new premises and is backing the bid.

“The club has a proven track record of helping youngsters and is a very well supported charity that deserves every success,” he said.

“Chris and his team have got an amazing vision for the new venue for Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Amateur Boxing Club and I will be doing what I can to help them realize their dream.”