Young boxers who struck gold “across the pond” have earned themselves a special award on home soil.

Since its formation in the past decade, members of Brandon Boxing Club have punched above their weight in regional, national, and international competitions.

They returned home from a Transatlantic trip to Canada with no less than eleven gold medals, setting a benchmark as the first British team to clinch the prestigious Brampton Boxing Cup.

Now the club has earned a £1,000 gift from Durham City Freemen to help equip and extend its purpose-built gym.

The club’s 150-plus members, who range in age from five to 70, regularly use it, with a third being girls.

(Image: Geoff Kitson) The gym is housed within Brandon Cricket Club’s multi-sports complex, off Brandon Lane.

 It caters for all members of the community, including those with disabilities and mental health problems.

Pivotal to the success of its boys’ and girls’ teams are its dozen-strong team of voluntary coaches.

The freemen’s latest shot-in-the-arm for the club is its third donation in four years.

Previous gifts have helped to cover the cost of boxing gloves, punch bags and coaching pads.

The latest contribution will be used within the new extension to improve strength and conditioning of aspiring boxers.

It includes a rowing machine, treadmill, turbo-bike, kettlebells and weights.

(Image: Geoff Kitson) Club competition secretary Alex Oliver, a civil servant awarded the British Empire Medal in 2017 for his services to sport, said: “Raising funds is a never-ending process for all volunteer-led organisations, like ours.

“Our membership continues to grow and our involvement in competitions means the need to replace worn-out kit is relentless.

“Support from organisations like the freemen is vital to our survival and success.”

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Eric Bulmer, the chairman of the Freemen's charitable trust, said: "It is difficult to quantify the exceptional benefits the club offers to a wide range of individuals and the well-being of the community.

“It is a beacon of what can be achieved by dedicated volunteers, supporting individuals and helping them to reach their potential, in and out of the ring.

“The club fully deserves the support the freemen can provide."