FEN Tiger Dave Boy Green helped excluded pupils to box their way out of trouble this week. The Chatteris-born former double European champion attended the launch of a new group which aims to use boxing to teach troubled youngsters essential life skills.

FEN Tiger Dave 'Boy' Green helped excluded pupils to box their way out of trouble this week.

The Chatteris-born former double European champion attended the launch of a new group which aims to use boxing to teach troubled youngsters essential life skills.

The Groups of Boys Boxing (GOBB) was launched at Littleport Leisure Centre on Tuesday.

It will take boys aged 13-16 and attempt to instil discipline through sport.

Each student will be enrolled on a sports leadership scheme as part of the project, which is the brainchild of East Cambridgeshire District Council and the Youth Service from Sutton, Ely and Littleport.

Green, who fought for two WBC titles, told the boys: "Whatever you do in life, you've got to work at it, if you're a boxer and or an accountant. Train, train, train until you make it."

Paddy Smith, an Amateur Boxing Association coach at Newmarket, is the boys' new coach and mentor.

He said: "I've just told them to use their common sense. They don't have to go out there and hit someone if they're boxing. Whatever happens outside, don't bring it back to the gym. Then you ruin it for everyone else."

Youth worker Mick Oliver said: "It's not just a chance for them to hit each other. We're challenging them about their aggression and behaviour. It will be a real commitment."

The boys will be given the chance to enrol on the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, or the Arts Award.

Witchford Village College pupil Cathal Brown, 15, said: "This is the first time I've tried boxing. I've only got six months left at school, I'll see how it goes but I've enjoyed what I've seen today.