A boxer turned French teacher has set up a boxing-fitness class at Wath Comprehensive School with the ambition of getting pupils fitter and into the sport.

Born in Saint-Étienne, France, René Grayel boxed five times as a professional in England at the turn of the millennium but is now passing on general skills to pupils on Friday afternoons.

He said: "I've been wanting to set up this class for a while now but I needed a bit more expertise first. I boxed but it was a while ago, now I have got my coaching badge and we are going well.

"The Language College has subsidised us for a few bags and pairs of gloves and we have also used some money that the school canteen won from a drinks competition."

Although the hour-long session, which is free, has only been going for six weeks it regularly attracts a dozen youngsters and René is assisted in the coaching by local amateur boxers David Wong and current sixth-former Dempsey Wale.

"The great thing is that we have a lot of amateur boxing experience in the coaching," continued René.

"David and Dempsey have both boxed as amateurs and through that they know a lot about the fitness side of it too.

"The idea is to give the kids an idea of what boxing is like and if they want to spar we can take them to a local club. At the minute we're just based on fitness."

David, 23, a former Wath pupil and now a personal trainer, added: "It's vital that children stay healthy and boxing is one of the best sports around for fitness. The regulars that come are already feeling the benefit."