IF your idea of a boxing club is a grimy gymnasium where the air is heavy with gloomy menace and the smell of stale sweat, then you obviously have not been to Radcliffe Amateur Boxing Club.

The light, airy premises in Bridgefield Street could not be less intimidating and there is a distinct lack of cauliflower ears and flat noses among its 50 members.

It is little wonder, then, that the club is still going strong after 20 years.

"We are a club that welcomes anyone, including complete beginners. We offer a complete fitness regime and our four coaches are all former Amateur Boxing Association fighters," explained Mr Shaun Eardley.

He was a member of the first club which was set up in 1970 but only ran for four years before closing through a lack of funds. In 1980 he and a friend, Arthur Greaves, decided to relaunch the club.

For most of its life it was based at the Church Street end of Bridgefield Street, but the club's growing popularity meant that larger premises were required.

Two years ago it moved to the opposite end of Bridgefield Street, into a converted pool hall, with the support and encouragement of Bury Council. Twice a week, on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, the members are put through their paces by Mr Eardley, Bob Hughes, Darren Smith and Neil Livsley, all of whom give their time and experience for free.

Besides boxing matches between members in the club's own ring, there are also bouts against clubs throughout the North West.

Unfortunately for university graduate Sarah Hughes (23), who has been a member for nine years now, she has not had the chance to take part in a competitive fight.

"I'd love to, but my dad, who is one of the coaches here, won't let me. He's very protective," said Sarah of Harrogate Avenue, Prestwich.

She initially joined to gain confidence and lose weight and regards the club as more interesting than just going along to a normal leisure centre or fitness club.

Muhammed Adress (27), of Great Hall Close, Radcliffe, has been a member for two years.

"Apart from the facilities, there's a really friendly atmosphere in here. It's not at all to do with posing.

"Every week there's someone new joining. It's a good way of keeping fit and I would encourage anyone who is vaguely interested in joining to come down and see for themselves."

And pictured are pugilistic pals 13-year-old Michael Byrne (left) and Billy Thorpe (12), of Venwood Road, Prestwich, who are sparring partners.

"I've always wanted to box," said Michael. "My mum was a bit worried at first but I've only had one nose bleed so far, so that's not bad."

"It's the idea that anyone can become a winner through boxing that appeals to me," said 14-year-old Misbah Uddin of Eton Hill Road, Radcliffe, who has been attending for more than two years.

The Coney Green High School pupil says he is naturally competitive and harbours ambitions to turn professional one day.

So if you fancy following in his footsteps, or just want to get in shape, why not go along to one of the sessions, which start at 6.45pm.

For further details call Mr Eardley on 07831 521984.