A BOXING coach is facing one of his toughest battles as he launches a campaign to steer youngsters away from drugs and into the gym.

Robert Ellis, director of coaching at Spennymoor Boxing Academy, is determined to get the young people of south-west Durham off the streets and give them back a sense of self-belief.

He has launched a campaign with the slogan Boxers are Winners, Users are Losers in an effort to help young people avoid drug abuse.

He said: "I feel very strongly about the drug culture in this town, and many others in County Durham. I am not prepared to sit back any longer and watch things deteriorate further. We all know someone who has fallen to these terrible drugs and I'm going to fight it."

Mr Ellis believes the strong discipline involved in training and focusing on something worthwhile is what some youths are missing.

He said the campaign's aim was to teach young men a sport that would occupy their minds and gain them respect.

"Boxing can transform a boy totally, make him fair- minded and a sportsman, giving him self-control and discipline," he said.

There was a lot of satisfaction from seeing a youth arrive at the gym with an attitude problem, then being transformed, Mr Ellis said.

Spennymoor boxing club fighters have travelled the world and many have become national champions and boxed for their country. Some have also had professional boxing careers.

He said: "The rewards are great for anyone who wants to have a go. If all youths had a spell in a boxing gym, soon the days would return when you could go out and leave your back door open and we could all be proud of our youngsters."