The future of an under-threat boxing club is "looking brighter" after new funding and support was secured.

Last month our sister paper The Cumberland News revealed Wigton Amateur Boxing Club was facing a potentially knock-out blow should new financial and volunteer help not be found.

But thanks to the efforts of the club's volunteers they've secured some new cash - and have people interested in joining their management structure.

The club's troubles had emerged over the summer months after cash dried up and a lack of volunteers willing to manage the charity meant funding was increasingly hard to come by.

Paul Radcliffe, who's been helping to run the club since its launch in 2009, took a step back from helping manage the club's finances due to family issues.

But once leaders discovered money was running short he decided to step back in to help steady the ship

Mr Radcliffe warned that while the short-term problems had been addressed, long-term they were still facing a fight.

"We have had some positive developments both in terms of potential monetary support and offers of help. It's really exciting," he said.

"We have been given a lifeline.

"The landlords, St John's Lodge, have been really supportive and it's thanks to the generosity of people and hard work that the future is looking brighter but more needs to be done.

"We've got a foundation and now we can build on that."

Financial support has come from Allerdale Council and Lord Roger Liddle, Wigton's county councillor.

Club leaders are applying to more pots, including that of the police and crime commissioner, Peter McCall.

Mr McCall paid a visit to the Water Street club in August shortly after the organisation's problems emerged to advise them on whether the commissioner's office could offer any help.

"We really want to try and rebrand the club going forward," Mr Radcliffe added.

"Whether people like boxing or not, it's a great place for young people to go and there's lots of new initiatives we have planned."

Among the new ideas is increasing revenue with more commercial activity and running things like nutrition courses with the help of local chef John Crouch.

The club have an annual general meeting arranged for Tuesday (SEPT 27) in Wigton Market Hall at 7pm.

Volunteers are asking anyone else who is interested in helping out to go along.

Representatives from England Boxing and Allerdale Council will be there.

"You don't necessarily have to join the committee but any help, for example in decorating the club, is really appreciated," Mr Radcliffe continued.

The club has been heralded in the town as a key driver in keeping young people off the streets, impressing youth workers and police officers.

It is one of the legacies of a teenage curfew that was imposed on the town more than a decade ago due to a rise in anti-social behaviour.

As well as its impact on the community, the club has also had sporting success, with several adults and juniors competing for titles on a regional level.

Anyone who can help should contact the boxing club on 07834371872.