COMMUNITY spirit has helped Pembroke & Pembroke Dock Amateur Boxing Club take its first steps in establishing its new premises.

Pembroke Boxing Club has been operating out of the old Eastgate School hall in the town since the 60s and has more than 100 members, but the building is dilapidated and no longer fit for purpose.

The charity that runs the club has raised more than £100,000 and with the support of 14 Signal Regiment and Sport Wales has bought the former J1 Fitness building in Water Street, Pembroke Dock.

On March 5, more than 50 volunteers turned up at the Water Street site, including Richard Jelley from Valero with his crack team of workers, and cleared the heavily overgrown back yard. They were very ably assisted by Allan Jones from Pembrokeshire Sports and Roy Witts, who at 87, is the club’s oldest member.

Sharon Bevans from Tesco turned up with supplies of food and willing helpful hands and, along with Mayor Peter Kraus and John Probert, did a fantastic job of tidying up the front.

The kids from six-16 helped to finish off the interior painting and served the mouth-watering bacon buns that Elaine McEwen, rustled up for everyone.

Pembroke Dock Scouts cleared the shop unit and prepped the walls for painting later on in the week and Carl Walton of 14 Signal Regiment came to see the project in action.

Even passers-by popped in to lend a hand.

Club chairman Chris McEwen said: “Wilko’s, Pembroke Dock has now offered us a work party for future projects and have already provided us with some decorating supplies. With all this support we are confident that the Boxing Club will be open within the next couple of weeks

“We are now so much closer to achieving this thanks to this fantastic team of volunteers and a heartfelt thank you goes out to all of you for your time and sponsorship and enthusiasm.

“The committee of Pembroke and Pembroke Dock ABC is truly humbled at the phenomenal strength of community spirit we witnessed today and is extremely proud to make Pembroke Dock our permanent home.”