A petition to save a popular Sheffield boxing gym from eviction has now reached more than 1,200 signatures.

Aspire Boxing Club, based at the Sheffield Inclusion Centre in Arbourthorne, was told last summer that it would have to find a new home when its lease expired later this year.

The petition, which aims to convince both the Inclusion Centre and Sheffield City Council to stop the eviction, was started on 10 February. Since then, it has gained huge support, recently hitting 1,250 signatures.

Ronny Tucker, the owner of the club, said: “Thank you to each and every one of you for your incredible support in signing our petition. Your support means a lot to us.

“Our fight is far from over though.  We need to continue spreading the word and gaining more signatures to ensure the future of Aspire Boxing Club.”

Since opening over 30 years ago, Aspire has established itself as one of Arbourthorne’s most important facilities for children by providing elite boxing training free of charge. It currently has around 100 active members who train three times a week.

Away from boxing the club frequently runs campaigns educating young adults on important local issues, such as knife crime and violence against women.

Those who wish to view the petition can do so here.