WORLD Super Middleweight Champion Robin Reid took time out from training for the defence of his title to speak to youngsters at a Blackburn gym.

The Liverpool-born fighter, who will defend his WBF crown against South African Soon Botes on July 14, visited Blackburn Boxing Club in Mill Hill to speak to young fighters in a fund raiser for the gym.

And he said if his success can inspire local youngsters to succeed in the sport he would be 'made up.'

Reid, who now lives in Bolton, spent the evening at the club answering questions and signing posters. He was joined by former British and Commonwealth flyweight champion Bury's Ady Lewis who both passed on tips and gave a few pointers about the sport.

Reid's fight against Botes at Liverpool Olympia will be the second defence of his title. And if all goes to plan he will be hoping to capture the WBC crown as well in a possible unification fight with Bristol's Glen Catley.

He said: "I've promised to get up here for a while but with training it has been very difficult. It was great to see these youngster interested in boxing and they certainly had a lot of questions to ask me. If my success can inspire them in the future then I will be made up."

Paul Chadwick, who runs the gym with Tony Davies, said Reid was a credit to the sport. He said: "Considering he has such an important fight coming up it was excellent that he took time out to talk to the lads.

"Nothing was too much trouble for him and he chatted away and signed photographs. I was flattered." The club, situated in Albion Mill, was founded 12 months ago by Paul and Tony to give youngsters something to do.

He added: "Boxing has never been given a fair crack because as soon as something happens people are calling for it to be banned.

"But you should see these youngsters. I have around 100 members now and when they come down they always give 100 per cent and they are very disciplined. It has given them something to do."

Anyone interested in joining the club they should contact Paul Chadwick on 07779 088525.