THE founder of Rawthorpe Amateur Boxing Club came toe to toe with royalty at a glittering awards ceremony in London.

Rawthorpe is hailed among the top three amateur sporting clubs in the country and its founder, Mark Reynolds, was congratulated at a dinner hosted by Prince Philip.

Mark set up the club six years ago.

It beat competition from 151,000 other clubs as its work in turning people on to sport, health and fitness was recognised.

Mark - delighted at the accolade from the Central Council for Physical Recreation, of which Prince Philip is patron - said: "This is just great for the club."

The club is based at the Gas Club in Gasworks Street, of Leeds Road, Huddersfield.

The club was nominated by the Yorkshire Amateur Boxing Association.

Mark was presented with the award at the Hilton Metropole Hotel.

There were 400 people at the ceremony.

"We got £1,000, which was great because we beg, borrow and steal to survive," he said.

"But the actual prestige is just great. It's the feel-good factor. The kids are over the moon."

The club has more than 250 members, with 30 boxers who regularly compete.

Rawthorpe has produced national ABA finalists, a British University champion and an England schoolboy fighter.

Its members range in age up to 73.

The boxing club is in a tough area and trains young people and adults from all backgrounds.

Mark said: "We get the introverted, quiet, shy - even bullied - kids coming to us and we give them confidence.

"Then we'll get young offenders and hard-nosed lads and lasses. We give them discipline and respect for themselves and others."

Mark added: "It's a lot more than a boxing club."

He also praised the tireless coaching of Patrick Joyce - better known as PJ - and Sean Lavelle.