GREENOCK boxer Sam Ball has put on 250 pounds — thanks to a funding boost from local sports fans.

The 18-year-old was presented with a cheque to help him with travel and training as he aims to fight at the Rio Olympics in 2016.

George Byng, a former Commonwealth Games competitor, and Brian Gilmour, of Inverclyde Leisure, are pictured with Sam.

He just missed out on competing at Glasgow 2014 this summer after a narrow loss in a Scottish Championship final.

But George, who helped raise £7,000 for young athletes through the Inverclyde Sports Personality Awards, said: “I’m sure Sam is destined for great things and hopefully the money will help him on his way.”