A CHARITY boxing tournament will be held at the Astoria at Rawtenstall to help boost funds for local good causes.

The matches are being organised by secretary of Sharples Boxing Club of Regent Street, Haslingden, Arthur Walsh.

The club was renamed after Lancashire Police withdrew its funding last year.

Sponsors who stepped in to help, including Barry Haworth owner of Cissy Green's bakery in Haslingden and Pride Records in Rawtenstall, have been invited for a ringside seat at the tournament on February 19.

Secretary Arthur Walsh said: "Ramsbottom Rotary Club is organising the event and we are also going to use it to hold an auction to sell two items which have been donated by Pride Records, an autographed boxing glove from Prince Naseem and a picture of Mohammed Ali.

"Local boxers and others from Lancashire, Liverpool and Yorkshire will be competing and I am putting together a full programme of about eight contests.

"I believe already the rotary club has 240 people coming with others still buying tickets so it should be a full house."

Dinner will be served at 7.30pm and the boxing will begin at 9pm. Arthur said he was hoping the backers of the club this year may agree to a three year sponsorship deal.