MORE than 260 boxers were in town for the first ever Bolton Box Cup.

Male and female boxers from England, Ireland, Scotland, Denmark and Cyprus took part in a weekend of highly entertaining competition at Bolton Lads and Girls Club.

The pick of Bolton Amateur Boxing Club's local talent was David Court who, after narrowly losing his last two bouts, won an impressive gold medal and also walked away with the trophy for best senior fight.

Other gold medals went to John Lee, Danny Boswell and Billy Evans, while the club also picked up a further nine silver medals.

The Box-Cup is a series of tournaments staged throughout Europe for amateur boxers with this one being the first one ever to take place in Britain.

With help from all officials, staff and volunteers, the weekend was a huge success with a very high level of competition which is almost certain to make the Bolton Box Cup an annual event.

Meanwhile, Lads Club boxers recently travelled abroad to compete, with 12 of them enjoying major success in Copenhagen.

There they collected an impressive medal haul, including four golds and two silvers.

They were part of a 36-strong squad from the Bolton, Workington and Halewood clubs who made the trip to Denmark.

Ian Mason, aged 15, struck gold in the 80kg category with Brendan Schofield, 15, Danny Boswell, 15, and Asha Lee, 16, repeating the feat in the 45kg, 42kg and 64kg weight brackets.

Asha's brother, John, 17, just missed out on gold when a majority decision went against him in the final of the 75kg category.

In the end he was only beaten by the Danish champion and will be looking to hit form again when he takes part in the English Youth Championships.

Danny Watson suffered a majority points decision against him in his final against the Danish champion.

Danny has fought and lost on points to the same Dane three times now but is determined to put the record straight when he fights him again.