Boxing classes have proved a big hit with children of all ages this summer.

The junior pugilists have been keen to get involved in activities at the Beacon Community Centre, South Harrow,with classes part of the Summer University London series aimed to make fitness fun and free.

The 90-minute sparring sessions, run at the complex in Scott Crescent, by an organisation called Sweet Science,teach discipline and dedication, respect and team building, and when the gloves are off,anti-obesity and healthy nutrition advice are on.

Team coach LeRoy Nicholas, 39, said: "The kids are enjoying it immensely. I thought we would have to compete with the PlayStation, but our groups are attracting 25 to 30 kids at a time.

"The ages range from nine to 21 with the higher percentage being boys, but out of all the girls that attend, 90 per cent end up better than the boys."

He added: "We teach the kids that it is not clever to carry a knife, especially with the growing knife crime in London.

"Recently we have had a number of meetings with the Beat Bullying association and we will now be working together to get this message across." 

* For more information, visit http://www.summerunilondon.org