A boxing club founded to offer children and teenagers a “safe haven away from gangs” has been given a grant of £30,000 from BBC Children In Need.

Boxing 4 Life in Cann Hall Road, Leytonstone holds two sessions a week in non-contact boxing for 50 eight to 18-year-olds.

Coaches Peter Akubuko and Everald Williams aim to empower the youngsters and help them deal with any issues they may be having in a positive way.

The money will cover the cost of venue hire, equipment and coaching for the next three years.

Peter Sandy who founded the club with Mark Rule in 2009 said without the group, many of the boxers would have no safe place to share their heart with people they can trust.

Mr Sandy said: “It’s a safe haven away from gangs and it gives them a plce where they can talk to responsible adults who are their mentors.

“We focus on improving physical skills and also life skills and we work on the whole person.

“We tell them not to be what others want them to be.

“They say they feel more confident and able to stand up for themselves which is especially important for the girls.

“We have kids who come to us with anger problems and it takes some time to turn it around and help them so early intervention is incredibly effective.”

The club does not focus on competitive boxing and although many students go to other clubs to train and fight professionally, Mr Sandy said they always return to their “extended family”.

Boxing 4 Life takes youngsters on an annual trip and they are planning a retreat in the Lake District next Easter.

For more information and to make a donation towards the trip visit click here

Mr Sandy added: “Our club is a place where teens can find themselves and believe in themselves.

“If we as a society can help our teenagers to believe in themselves then we are moving in the right direction.”