A boxing club opened a new gym extension on Saturday.

Susie Paddock, vicar of St Mary’s Church in Ashley Road, Hornsey Rise, blessed the new hall for fighters at Islington Boxing Club in Hazellville Road.

The club, which has 500 recreational members and 300 amateurs, has created a large space which gives room for two boxing rings. Lenny Hagland, chairman, said: “The new extension has made a massive difference because we had been getting so busy.

“We are really pleased with the extension.”

More than 120 attended the celebration event which included a barbecue and an end of year awards ceremony for the boxers.