Boxing is booming in Preston and it's set to get a further boost as the city welcomes an Olympic hero next week.

The city's Guild Hall will host the ABA Senior Divisional Boxing Finals at a gala night on Monday.

Junior boxers, including Preston's own Chris Betteridge, 15, of Cintre Avenue, Ashton, will compete in the Golden Belt Finals junior competition with Olympic silver medallist, Amir Khan, on hand to present trophies to the winners.

Also there will be British Welterweight champion, Michael Jennings, who successfully defended his title in a thrilling televised fight with Bradley Pryce at the venue on Tuesday night.

Bernard Simpson, chairman of Preston City Boxing Team, who organised the event along with Preston City Council, is hoping families will be attracted to the event.

Mr Simpson, who put Michael Jennings through his paces as a young hopeful, said: "It's all about the community working for the community. That's why we wanted to get as many people involved as possible from the local area.

"People think it's violent but it's more of a touch sport these days.

"It's about getting families down to the Guild Hall and bringing back a feeling of community to Preston."

The sport has enjoyed increasing popularity in the city with many young men flocking to Larches and Savick Boxing Club, Catforth Road, to sign up for coaching sessions.

Police and schools have also referred teenagers who have behavioural problems to the club to be taught discipline.

Ian Mackie, streetwise development officer for Preston City Council, who has set up coaching sessions during half-term for pupils from local schools, said: "They are very popular and we do see a significant change in the young lads.

"Boxing has really taken off in Preston and events like this really help to boost it even more."

The event starts at 7.15pm with a performance from Preston rock band, Drop the Fox.

Tickets are priced £8 on 01772 258858.