THE gym where Royal Gwent Hospital surgeon Ken Shute (pictured) trained for his recent charity boxing match is used to turning out great fighters of all ages.

Trainers Billy Reynolds and Dave Exton are rightly proud of the achievements of the St Joseph's club.

The George Street gym has just enjoyed its most successful season ever, winning 12 Welsh championship titles, including their first senior champion since 1984. But for Billy Reynolds it is not just the champions and the medals that represent the success of the club but its role in the community.

Billy said: "This club has become a focal point for people living round here." "Kids start coming in from the age of 10 to get fit, meet other people and grow in confidence and ability.

"The boys are here training and being part of something constructive instead of being out somewhere getting into trouble.

"This is a multi-racial area and the gym reflects that. The club helps to break down barriers between people of different cultures.

"If you're here making friends with all kinds of people you understand more about each other's backgrounds. Now I can even speak enough Arabic to conduct the odd training session in the language.

"When we're exercising we count off in French and all sorts, it helps bring people together. When a group of lads from a different culture first come in they can be a bit suspicious but before long everyone learns to trust one another."

The club has about 60 schoolboys on the books who pay £1 a week to use the gym's extensive facilities and learn from the experienced coaching staff.

It is so cheap because the club receives sponsorship from local businesses who Billy says have always been really supportive.

One of those schoolboys is Mohammed Nasar, 16, from Pill who is British Champion in his weight class and won the Four Nations Championship over the summer.

Mohammed said: "I've been training here for about six years and it's a great place. I first got into boxing after watching some fights on TV. I'd like to turn pro one day, I'm going to be better than Prince Naseem. Boxing is a great sport, it gets you fit and keeps you out of trouble."

The gym is open to all comers every week night from 5pm-7.30pm. Monday night is for beginners starting with exercise and basic training.

Everyone at the club gets a medical examination and certificate before being allowed to fight.

For more information call 01633 663003.