Hayes Amateur Boxing Club launches into the new season with high hopes and every reason to celebrate as they anticipate their move from the old Dickie Gunn Gym, on the site of the recently demolished Hayes Stadium in Judge Heath Lane, to their new gym at the entrance to the old stadium site.

The club has been a leading light in amateur boxing since its foundation more than half a century ago, and with-the 2012 London Olympic Games now looming, it is getting the backing to enable it to be a part of the huge sports bonanza that will take place here in less than four years' time.

With a little luck, our trainers may produce another Chris Finnegan, and Hayes will be able to boast another Olympic champion.

One thing is for sure; with one of the best gyms in the country, Hayes ABC will be high on the agenda of visiting Olympic boxing teams wanting to come and train in the most up-to-date facility around. James DeGale, who won the middleweight gold medal at the Beijing Olympics, brought back memories of Finnegan, now the club's President, who won the same medal at the Mexico Olympics in 1968.

Many other fine young boxers have been produced by the Hayes club, winning titles at the highest levels of their sport, including ABA, Junior ABA, Schools ABA and NABC and Youth championships.

There will be an official opening ceremony of the new stadium in November, which local dignitaries, council members and sports fans from around the borough are expected to attend.

The Hayes club stages its first open show of the new season, at Hayes Working Men's Club, Pump Lane, next Thursday, when clubs from in and around London, and further afield will be represented.

Adult tickets cost £10, or £5 for under-15s, and can be bought on the door. Boxing commences at 8pm.