Young people taking part in a boxing skills programme got to meet a legend of the sport on Wednesday as former world champion John Conteh was the guest of honour at their awards ceremony.

The ceremony, at Leavesden Green Community Hub, was held to celebrate the conclusion of the Box Cleva: North Watford programme funded by Watford Community Housing Trust.

The programme taught fitness techniques, healthy eating and self respect.

Box Cleva is a charitable association which runs similar programmes throughout Hertfordshire.

It was developed by Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service to help young people who might be at risk of exclusion, and is also supported by Hertfordshire Police.

John Conteh, who was world light-heavyweight champion from 1971 to 1974, said: "Box Cleva gives young people another chance and it helps them to see the world in a different way.

"It’s about giving them opportunities to take part in a sport, to learn about exercise and self-discipline. It’s such a great programme." 

Krissi Palmer, of Abbots Langley, said that taking part in Box Cleva has made a huge difference to her son Luke, seven.

She added: "He wasn’t doing very well at school and he would lose his temper quite quickly. But since he’s started at Box Cleva there’s been a real change in his mood and he’s much more focused at school.

"We’ve really noticed a change for the better. And you can see it’s good for the others as well, especially some of the boys who don’t have a male role model in their lives."

Tina Barnard, chief executive of Watford Community Housing Trust, said: "Today’s event was about celebrating the young people who’ve come through the programme, but the Box Cleva team also deserve huge credit for the positive impact they’ve made on their lives. We are really proud to have funded this project."