A VOLUNTEER-run boxing club has found a new home but has a fight on its hands to raise £300,000 to build it.

West Oxfordshire District Council will give land in Witney to the Windrush Valley Amateur Boxing Club to build a new facility.

But the club must raise the cash to build it within two years.

The club has been searching for a permanent home since its previous gym in Newland, Witney, was condemned after the 2007 floods.

It has since been based at Carterton Football Club, in Swinbrook Road, but has outgrown its home.

Club secretary Ann Setch said: “We’ve got an absolutely beautiful building but it is limited on space.

“We are turning people away.

“There are 50 rural parishes around West Oxfordshire and we are the only boxing club.”

Mrs Setch said the new centre would allow the club, which has six qualified volunteer coaches, to offer new facilities and build on its 100-strong membership.

The new building will feature two boxing rings – compared to the current one – and be able to host tournaments and competitions.

Mrs Setch said: “I was absolutely overwhelmed when the council told us about the land – and then scared.

“We’ve done grant applications before for small bits of equipment but this is huge.

“But we are absolutely determined to do it. Every single member of the gym is up for it.”

She added: “We have been dreaming about it for quite some time and now it’s a reality.”

She said the group would aim to raise 50 per cent of the money and apply for grants for the rest. One plan is to sell the bricks for the new building at £1 each.

Richard Langridge, the district council’s cabinet member for local economy and communities, said: “We are committed to supporting local sports clubs and organisations, particularly those like Windrush Valley Amateur Boxing Club that are run by dedicated volunteers who give their own time to help the local community.

“We look forward to seeing this opportunity pursued as it would provide a great community asset.

“We wish the club all the best in raising the funds and developing its proposals further.”

Earlier this year, the club received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service and, in 2010, it won the district council’s sports club of the year award.