Maltings Academy pupils are receiving boxing training, thanks to a grant from councillors.

The initiative, led by Reach Group Community Projects, aims to help the group of Year 9 boys boost their confidence and enhance their wellbeing over ten sessions.

Reach Group Community Projects is a Community Interest Company (CIC) based in Essex.

The ultimate aim of the initiative is to ensure that the youngsters 'reach their full potential in life.'

The £750 funding for the programme was provided by Braintree District Councillors Jon Hayes, Sindhu Rajeev, Ron Ramage, Billy Taylor, Ethan Williams, and Toby Williams.

£750 funding has been provided for the programme£750 funding has been provided for the programme (Image: Supplied) Cllr Ramage and Cllr Williams visited Maltings Academy earlier this month to see one of the classes in action.

The funding is part of Braintree District Council’s (BDC) councillors’ community grant scheme, which allows representatives to financially support projects that benefit the district's residents.

District Councillor for Witham Central, Toby Williams, said: "Our group of local councillors are very proud to support this wonderful initiative through BDC’s community grant scheme.

"I’ve seen first-hand how these weekly sessions give so much to this group of boys, helping them to develop new skills and grow in confidence.

"Congratulations to Tom Paget and his team at Reach, who have such a positive impact on the lives of young people in Witham and beyond."

The Reach Group Community Projects CIC project lead, Tom Paget, said: "We are so grateful to have the support of the local councillors, this has allowed us to yet again have a positive impact on another fantastic group of local young students.

"It was evident how much the boys appreciated this when they met the councillors."