A gym in Bordon has been given a fighting fund to help the town’s youngsters as it prepares for a big move.

The bell will soon be rung for the last time off Budds Lane as Mercer’s Gym is moving to a “bigger and better” home.

The gym is leaving its Enterprise Park home of many years as the ongoing Prince Philip Park development will see the area cleared for housing.

The current gym will close next Friday (June 20) and will reopen at a new permanent location within a few miles of Bordon on July 2 or 7.

But they’ve also been given a handout in the meantime, with Whitehill Town Council giving the gym £1,000 to provide youths with self-defence classes.

Youths who are susceptible to criminal influence and anti-social behaviour are referred to the gym by the Youth Crime Prevention Team and social service.

The agencies believes the skills learned will prevent youngsters from prevalent dangers in society, while teaching them important life lessons about themselves, discipline and respect towards others.

Members of the WTC Executive Community, who agreed to the community fund request at a recent meeting, and Pete Mercer are looking forward to future collaboration.

“It was a pleasure to meet with Pete and visit his boxing gym,” said town mayor, Cllr Catherine Clark.

“It is fantastic the work that he does with the local children from running classes to holiday clubs.

“Whitehill Town Council were delighted to be able to help him by providing the necessary funding for discounted sessions for youths from the Youth Crime Prevention Team.”

Mr Mercer said: “I am genuinely honoured the gym and Community Interest Companies are in a position to work with the Council to do positive projects within the Community.”

Look for Mercers Gym on Instagram or www.mercersgym.com