Mayor's thanks to boxing coach

5:22pm Wednesday 15th August 2007

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A DEDICATED coach who has run a Droitwich boxing club for 30 years has received a surprise thank you visit from the town's Mayor.

The Spa's Mayor Richard Morris popped into the Droitwich Spa Amateur Boxing Club to present Chris Andrews - who still goes to the club every single week night - with a certificate, flowers and wine to mark the milestone.

He also thanked him for providing the town's youngsters with opportunities to keep fit and have fun.

Mr Andrews, who turned 70 the day after the presentation, set up the club in 1977 and has been the coach ever since.

He decided to start the club in his home town after qualifying as an amateur boxing coach in Birmingham.

He said: "It all arose from a summer holiday play scheme where I took some coaching sessions and the kids loved it.

"We did it again the following year and the same group of kids turned up and asked for a club to be formed."

Today, the club attracts youngsters and adults from across North Worcestershire and has welcomed 200 amateurs through its doors this year.

The club has enjoyed its fair share of success producing five national champions at junior level and four of its boxers reached the national semi-finals this year.

It has been based at a temporary building in Kidderminster Road since 1983 and looks set to remain there despite ongoing plans for a new development.

Mr Andrews said he had no idea about the presentation but was pleased his efforts had been recognised.

He plans to continue visiting the club every weekday evening but hopes someone eventually comes forward to help take over the coaching in the future.

Mayor Richard Morris said: "He has been a stalwart for the boxing club over 30 years and has had great success with a number of kids.

"Even those who haven't reached the heights have been provided with entertainment and keep fit opportunities."