A BOXING club has got up off the floor after suffering a near knockout blow in this summer's floods.

The 40 boxers of the Witney Amateur Boxing Club - ranging in age from 11 to 34 - are now back in training at their new home, provided by Carterton Football Club, at its clubhouse, in Swinbrook Road.

And Sunday saw the club take delivery of a new boxing ring, which will also be used by the football club as a stage when it holds discos and social evenings.

The community effort to save the club was led by Witney MP and Conservative leader David Cameron, after its old home, at Newlands Sports and Social Club, in Witney, was overwhelmed by the floods in July.

Due to a summer break from training, the damage was not found until August.

Club chairman Ann Setch said there was a tide mark 4ft up the walls and all their equipment, including gloves, headguards, gumshields and training clothes, as well as the ring, was ruined, and the building declared unsafe and a health and safety hazard.

Mrs Setch said: "We've been part of the sporting scene in Witney for decades and the future seemed bleak.

"But we were determined to do something for the boys - and girls - who depend on us."

Immediate help came with a £500 "tide-over" grant from Witney Rotary Club after its club president Mr Cameron told it of the boxers' plight.

On Friday, a second donation of £5,000 from a floods emergency fund set up by the British branch of Rotary International was also handed over by the MP.

Help also came with a £1,500 grant from Fox FM and Barclays Bank's Help Oxfordshire Children scheme.

The head coach is Mrs Setch's husband Steve, 53.

He said: "We've gradually started to rebuild the club, but we're thrilled to receive this money - over the moon, in fact."