A Stepps-based boxing club has received a boost from Persimmon West Scotland and Sanctuary Scotland, with the partnership providing £10,000 worth of new equipment for the club, including new flooring, treadmills and other much-needed materials.

The Auchengeich Boxing Club was founded in 1975 by miners from the local colliery. Originally based in the Moodiesburn Pivot Centre, the club moved to a 120-year-old shed in Stepps in 2011, which was previously used by world champion boxer Ricky Burns.

The club has seen prominent boxers from across the globe visit the club when staying in Scotland, including world champions Mick Conlan, Lee Selby, Rodrigo Guerrero and Carl Frampton. As well as visiting superstars, the club has their own home-grown champions including former Commonwealth champion Brian Carr, who is now a coach at the club.

The boxing club attracts a variety of visitors from the community, from budding boxers to those who want to keep fit. The club aims to keep costs as low as possible to ensure that anyone with a passion can take part in the sport without the fear of finances being a barrier.

Joe Martin from the Auchengeich Boxing Club said: “We are grateful to have received this donation from both Persimmon Homes and Sanctuary Scotland. This money will ensure that we have the equipment needed to continue to provide a safe space for people of all ages to take part in activities from boxing to keep fit classes.”

Craig Moore, Persimmon West Scotland land director, added: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Sanctuary Scotland to support Auchengeich Boxing Club with the purchase of new equipment.

“We’re keen to support the areas we operate in and the club is a key part of the local community. I hope the donation will give the club a real boost and benefit local people.”

Gillian Lavety, Sanctuary’s development director, said: “As well as delivering good quality, affordable homes, we’re also committed to investing in local communities.

“I’m delighted that we’ve been able to work with Persimmon to support Auchengeich Boxing Club and hope all this new equipment will be great boost to the Club’s members and help it go from strength to strength for many years to come.”

The donation from the five-star builder and Sanctuary Scotland is being delivered as part of their community contribution associated with the local Royale Meadows development in Muirhead.