Boxer goes back to school

Former world champion boxer Richie Woodhall visited a Telford school to talk about his career and put pupils through their paces with a "boxercise" session.

The former WBC super-middleweight champion spoke to GCSE students at Lord Silkin School about the challenges he faced becoming a professional boxer.

Mr Woodhall said: "I like to think I am able to motivate the young people of Telford to develop self-belief and help them to fulfil their aims and ambitions.

"I really believe that where there's a will, there's a way and the sessions we've run so far have been really positive. I've had a great time and I think they have too."

Boxercise was launched in the UK in 1992 and now has more than a million devotees nationwide. For more information, log on to www.boxercise.co.uk

Richie last week predicted the launch of a new sports village in Telford would help put the borough firmly on the sporting map.

Speaking at a presentation at the borough's new sports village, the Olympic medalist told of his hopes for the future of sport in the borough.

A partnership pledge certificate was presented to AFC Telford United, the first of four sites that will receive the award from the council.

He said: "The village concept is absolutely fantastic and, the way that Telford & Wrekin is going, it won't be long before sports teams and individuals put it on the map."

The Telford sports, learning and enterprise village also includes Telford College of Arts & Technology, Hadley Learning Community and Wrekin College.