ALLOA BOXING CLUB has been awarded a grant of £2,999 by the Coalfields Regeneration Trust (CRT) to pay for a new treadmill that can be used by all its members.

The club, which is affiliated to Boxing Scotland, has around 20 competitive boxers from the age of 12 and around 140 members who regularly train.

It runs classes for seniors, juniors, and sessions specifically for women of all ages.

The CRT grant has allowed the club to buy a more modern and efficient treadmill to replace older machines the club inherited when it took over the sole leasehold of the Bowmar Centre sports hall in Alloa two years ago.

The club said a treadmill provides low impact aerobic exercise essential for warming up and developing stamina and can be used by all club members. The machine will be beneficial for those who are either taking part in boxing or just there for general fitness.

Brian Candlish of Alloa Amateur Boxing Club said: "We would like to thank the CRT for the grant that has made it possible to buy a treadmill that all our members can use.

"The grant has enabled us to further improve our facilities. Since taking over Bowmar Centre sports hall we have also invested in fitting suitable flooring and hanging points for punchbags."

Bob Young, a CRT Scotland trustee, said: "We're delighted to be able to support this club which is a vital facility for local residents, whether they want to keep fit or hone their boxing skills."