A tradition which has been maintained for more than 100 years has continued at one of the city's oldest institutions.

Norwich Lads Amateur Boxing Club was established in 1918 and has had the Lord Mayor of Norwich as its president since its inception.

That continued as current lord mayor James Wright visited the club at its Hall Road gym, wearing his official Lads Club medallions which have been passed on at City Hall through the years.

The club was established by John Henry Dain, who was chief constable of Norwich City Police at the time, to give children who became orphans during the First World War a hobby and stability in their lives.

Norwich Evening News: Lord Mayor of Norwich James Wright visited Norwich Lads Amateur Boxing ClubLord Mayor of Norwich James Wright visited Norwich Lads Amateur Boxing Club (Image: Norwich City Council)

Club director Colin Bates, 72, from Earlham, said: “Lots of the children that come to the club are from broken homes, to see a child come to us and watch them grow into young adults and be vital in their development, there’s no feeling like that.

"One mother spoke to me last month nearly in tears, as her child wouldn’t stop having tantrums, but after a few weeks of sessions they had stopped.”

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The club has recently been refurbished now having both male and female changing rooms, fitted with showers in both rooms.

Norwich Evening News: It is a tradition that the Lord Mayor of Norwich is also president of Norwich Lads ClubIt is a tradition that the Lord Mayor of Norwich is also president of Norwich Lads Club (Image: Norwich City Council)

The mayor said he was impressed by the "energy" at the gym during his visit, adding: “I’ve found it really heartening to hear, especially from the older lads, where the club has helped keep them out of trouble."

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Head coach Martin Faherty, 75, from Sprowston, once trained British heavyweight star Herbie Hide and coaches alongside his son Marty, 47, and grandson Callum, 20.

Martin said: “The club means a lot, I’ve been involved for 50-plus years. 

"It’s important to get the children off the streets and hopefully either the boys or girls will turn out to be good boxers - but most importantly for them to become great people.”