IT WAS founded by former boxer and approved school housemaster Jack Raine to champion children’s welfare and sporting opportunities.

Now, after changing its name from Off the Hook to the Jack Raine Community Foundation, a York charity has moved into new premises in Walmgate.

The new headquarters features three community gyms – including a boxing gym – and drop-in sessions are also being held to help with issues such as drug misuse, homelessness and relationship problems.

The charity, formerly based in Redeness off James Street, has also launched an appeal for new patrons and volunteers to come forward to help its work.

Founder and trustee Lewis Gell said the foundation was granted its new name by the Charity Commission last October.

“The charity’s roots go back to 1967 as a sports club for young people,” he said.

“Its founder, Jack Raine, a boxer who went on to become housemaster at Castle Howard Approved School in the 1970s and 1980s, was a champion of children’s welfare and sport coaching in York and North Yorkshire.

“In 2004, we became a registered charity when we became known as Off the Hook. All activities and projects are based around education, welfare, health, sport and community interest.

“As well as offering advice through drop-in and appointment sessions for welfare support in drug misuse, alcohol addiction, relationships, sex, abuse homelessness, employment and education, the community gym is proving a healthy addition to the members.

“The gym offers free weights, anerobic and aerobic workouts based around non-contact boxing and martial arts fitness classes from the age of seven.

“All classes are £1 or yearly membership starts from £50, which offers an affordable price in these hard financial times.”

He added that the centre was also the new home of York Boxing Club, the Way of Life Thai Boxing Club ands Kujo Martial Arts.

Mr Lewis said anyone interested in becoming a new patron, business supporter, gym member, sponsor ot volunteer should phone 01904 623831 or email sam.offthehook@gmail.com