BOXING is being brought back to a Blackburn venue in a bid to help raise cash for charities.

Blackburn Lions have announced their charity gala will be replaced by a number of events, including a charity boxing night at King George's Hall on Friday, March 7.

The gala was cancelled because of a lack of business sponsorship and dwindling attendance.

The amateur boxing show will have eight bouts featuring boxers from Blackburn, Accrington, Yorkshire and Wales.

The previous charity boxing nights were held at the now demolished Moat House Hotel.

Although King George's Hall saw a charity War of the Roses boxing match last summer, the Lions are hoping the boxing event will become a regular feature.

The event's organisers hope to raise money for North West Air Ambulance and other charities.

Boxing has come under sustained criticism over recent years after a number of high profile boxers, like Michael Watson and Paul Ingle, suffered brain damage.

The BBC also recently cancelled its charity celebrity bouts that saw Ricky Gervais take on Anthea Turner's husband Grant Bovey, after the British Boxing Board of Control criticised it for being dangerous and irresponsible.

But the organisers said they will take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of their boxers.

Yaqoob Hussein, of the Amateur Boxing Association club at Audley Community Centre, in Chester Street, Blackburn, has organised the event.

He said: "It's really good to hold boxing at the venue, we've been holding them at the Moathouse for the last ten to 12 years, but it got knocked down so we needed somewhere else.

"The match is ABA approved so that means all the boxers will be wearing head guards, mouth and groin protectors. There will also be a doctor and paramedics present.

"It's all standard procedure these days and all safety precautions have been taken."

Harry Pennington, of the Lions, said: "We hope to raise between £2,000 and £5,000 for the North West Air Ambulance and other charities."

Tickets for a ringside three-course meal followed by eight bouts are £30 and available by calling 01254 694888.

Viewing-only tickets for the balcony cost £5 with doors opening at 8pm and available by calling 01254 582582 or Ticket Master on 01254 898000.