LUNCHTIME boxing is hitting the target Greenock high school children thanks to an Inverclyde sport ambassador.

Champion boxer Rhys McCole, 18, is delivering masterclasses to students during their dinner hour at some local secondaries in partnership with Active Schools.

The Greenock fighter has been visiting Inverclyde Academy, pictured, and his former school, Notre Dame, over the last few weeks to teach pupils the art of the sport.

Rhys, who volunteers with Active Schools having gained a sports leader qualification during S6 last year, is now working on his coaching badges with Boxing Scotland - the sport's national governing body - and is putting his new-found skills to good use by showing pupils the ropes.

He said: "It's great to see so many young people who have never boxed before enjoying it. "Boxing has never been done in schools so I thought it would be great to offer it as a lunchtime club just to see if people would like it. "It's a sport that is so different from any other.

"Boxing is an individual sport and the health benefits are massive, physically and mentally, which can only do young people good. "I'm giving up my free time to do these sessions but, to be honest, I'd do them for however long I could so long as the pupils are enjoying them and benefitting from them."

The classes are being trialled until the schools finish up for Christmas.

Gillian Hughes, senior Active Schools co-ordinator, said: "Our role is to support schools with extra-curricular sporting opportunities, increase opportunities and help keep young people active throughout the school day.

"This is something a bit different and pupils are keen for it.

"It has proved to be a busy club here in particular. The numbers have been good.

"Some of the boys already box by the look of things but quite a few haven't boxed before. "There's been quite a few senior pupils taking part as well, which is also good to see."

Rhys, who trains at Greenock Boxing Club, is a former Scottish and Western District champion.

He is a youth and sport ambassador at local and national level - and has been lauded for promoting disability sport having enjoyed success despite having several medical conditions of his own.