A BOXING Show organised by a group of fund-raisers on behalf of Bolton Lads' and Girls' Club was a knock-out success, raising exactly £50,000 in just one night.

And sport and soap stars helped make the evening a big success.

The annual event was organised by a group called DAKS who made up of local businessmen Nick Hopkinson, Clive Nightingale, Andy Brabbin, John Sherrington, Dave Moss and Chris Taylor.

Guests enjoyed the surroundings of Bolton's Albert Halls, wine, champagne and food and the best in amateur boxing.

They travelled from all over the country to participate in the fund-raiser for the Bark Street Club. In addition, regular participants Laufen UK flew in their regional chefs from Switzerland, France and Germany and they enjoyed a great weekend in Bolton.

The majority of the boxers were drawn from the local area. Bolton Lads' and Girls' Club provided half of the contestants. A new amateur boxing club set up by ex-club boxer Eddie Birchall in New Bury also featured on the night.

As always, a number of celebrities attended, including Bill Tarmey (Jack from the Street) and former soccer star Francis Lee, a vice President of the Lads and Girls Club.

In addition Antony Farnell, the Manchester-based WBO welterweight champion, paid a surprise visit and revealed that his first ever contest as an amateur had been at a Lads' and Girls' Club show in Bolton Town Hall.

But top of the bill among the celebrities was Sir Henry Cooper. Fans were treated to Big Screen archive footage of "our 'Enery" knocking over the then World Champion Cassius Clay.

Sir Henry took the microphone and made a moving speech thanking everyone for their support and stressing how important it is to get involved and help young people stay out of trouble and make progress in their lives.