A boxing club has raised more than £12,000 to extend its veterans programme.

Clayton Boxing Club held a month's trial and organised a Fight Fit programme with veterans from Healthier Heroes who attend Accrington Stanley Community Trust.

The initiative was a 'huge success', with the veterans undergoing training in technique and cardio work, testing them mentally and physically, and giving them 'a taste of the challenges they faced while serving.'

Following this success, Clayton Boxing Club conducted a round of fundraising via Amazing Accrington, to fund the £12,072 required to run the programme for 50 weeks starting in January.

They have now reached their target, and can continue to offer this programme, which is open to all veterans, regardless of any mental or physical disabilities.

The funding came from various sources, including £1,750 from the Duchy of Lancaster, £5,000 from the Lancashire Integrated Care Board, and £4,973.60 from the Lancashire Culture & Sport Fund along with other community donations.

Head coach and volunteer John Brindle said: "The response to the pilot we ran was brilliant, really helped the people involved so I'm delighted we've got funding over the line to provide this group all year.

"Thanks to every person who donated, it will make a difference to veteran's lives."

Olivia O'Connell from the Lancashire Culture & Sport Fund said: "Our fund is set up to improve access to culture and sport, and this project from Clayton Boxing Club is a perfect example of that."

You can learn more about Clayton Boxing Club and the work they do via their Facebook page.