A vicar is promoting mental and physical wellbeing of youngsters in Mottingham by encouraging them to box for fitness.

Boxing4Schools has been running classes at St Edward’s Church since February.

It has proved a big hit and founder Wayne Llewellyn is keen to encourage more funding to keep the classes going beyond its predicted expiry in July.

Vicar Catherine Shelley, 53, has even joined in with some of the lessons.

"It’s just great fun," Catherine told News Shopper.

"It’s giving local kids something to focus on and some of our families are in significant need and some kids are at risk of going off the rails.

"This is providing them with really good focus to gain confidence and physical fitness.

She added: "Kids are learning to control and defend themselves which helps with discipline and focus."

Catherine mentioned one young woman in particular enduring a troubled time who has benefitted from the "relief and space" the programme has provided.

The classes are held on Monday evenings from 5-6pm or 6-7pm and everyone is welcome.

They were inspired after Box Up London held a seminar there last summer which prompted funding from Big Local Mottingham to bring boxing to the area.

The lessons are mostly for youngsters with some young adults also participating, and it’s strictly non-contact boxing.

Catherine has served here since November 2017 and speaking of the area she said: "I really like it.

"Some people say Mottingham is a tough community, but it really is a community. I felt very welcomed."

Boxing4Schools currently trains around 20 kids in Mottingham but insists it has room for more.