Young boxers were knocked out to share the ring with heavyweight hero Danny Williams.

Williams, who shot to fame when he beat Mike Tyson in four rounds last summer, was the guest of honour at the opening of new premises for a County Durham boxing club yesterday.

The Brixton Assassin, as he is known, cut a ribbon and unveiled a plaque to mark the opening of the Horden Sportsman Amateur Boxing Club.

He then got into the ring to perform some "pad work'' with some of the club's young prospects.

Williams, 31, who vowed at the weekend to bounce back from his recent defeat by world champion fighter Vitali Klitschko, signed autographs, posed for pictures with young admirers and showed off his British and Commonwealth belts.

He then took part in a question-and-answer session with some of the club's 60-plus members.

Williams said he was impressed with the new facilities in the old Co-op building, in Fifth Street, Horden.

Club coach Brian Dineen said: "A lot of hard work has gone into this and a lot of people have rallied round to help us get here, putting in a lot of voluntary work.

"Everyone has been buzzing this last month or two since we heard Danny was coming to open the new facilities."

The 53-year-old club's move from the Pavillion, in Sunderland Road, was achieved with help from Horden Parish Council and a number of local sponsors.

Further information on classes and sessions at the club are available on 0191- 518 0963.