A WEEKLY boxing initiative taking place at Plymstock School is helping to reduce anti-social behaviour in the area.

Set up by PCSO Mark Rothwell, who is responsible for the Plymstock area, the boxing initiative has grown significantly since it started just over a year ago.

With around 15 Plymstock School students regularly attending the weekly session with the police worker, after-school fighting and anti-social behaviour in the area has decreased, while the pupils' respect for authority figures has increased, said PCSO Rothwell.

He said: "We set this up to target the anti-social behaviour happening in and around the school when there was a lot of fighting going on.

"It's really worked well and the kids that come really want to learn - they don't just want to throw a few punches any more. They want to learn technique and discipline.

"It has also helped significantly with the relationship the local policing team has with the youths - they now greet me if they see me in the street rather than shouting expletives.

"The local community has really got behind us, too - the company that owns the Broadway shopping centre and Babcock have even been so kind as to donate new equipment to the club."

While the boxing is a good form of exercise and anger management, it is also helping pupils to focus better in lessons.

Kevin Dyke, director of sports at the school, said: "This is a great opportunity for our students and helps them get their aggression out in a positive way which then helps with their focus in class.

"The relationship the students have built with the local police team is also great and it is proving to be mutually beneficial to all parties involved."

PCSO Rothwell hopes to open similar initiatives in the area soon.