Children punched well above their weight to win a string of boxing awards.

Eight to 15-year-olds, who attend the Box Cleva sessions at the Hertswood Centre in Potters Lane in Borehamwood, were given bronze, silver and gold medals at a ceremony on Tuesday.

The club, which Borehamwood firefighter Bob Williams has run for two years, teaches children the importance of living a healthy lifestyle as well as helping them control their aggression.

The awards ceremony was compered by Commonwealth gold medallist Sean Murphy and attended by world light-heavyweight boxing champion John Conteh.

Also present were the mayor of Borehamwood Clive Butchins and Councillor Ernie Butler.

Ten children received bronze awards and three were given silver.

Three children, Ross Huckle, Ben Huckle and Callum Heels received gold awards.

Callum, who at age eight is the youngest to receive the award, was described by Mr Williams as a “fantastic” young man who had made great progress and was very proud of his achievements.

Box Cleva will introduce platinum awards next year to encourage the children to further success.

Mr Williams praised the children for their “outstanding” achievements, saying they had done themselves and the town proud.

He said: “The kids really enjoy themselves here and that is the main thing. I am obviously very proud with how much they have all achieved so I would like to congratulate each and everyone one of them.

“John Conteh was full of praise for the children and for the work we do here.

“Many of them come from difficult backgrounds and it is wonderful to see how they have engaged and improved.”

Mr Williams said he would like to thank the sponsors and organisaions who made Box Cleva possible.

Since the club started in 2011, it has seen 255 children at the Hertswood Centre and 5,012 children throughout Hertfordshire.

Mr Williams added: “We teach our children determination, discipline and dedication, well mixed in with perspiration and I’m looking forward to seeing how the scheme helps children in the future.”

Box Cleva restarts after the Christmas holidays on January 14.