TORY political heavyweight Francis Maude was out ballot boxing in Dudley with a visit to the town’s big hitting sports club.

The cabinet office minister made a whistle-stop tour to the borough and dropped in at Priory Park Boxing Club, where he was invited into the ring to find out more about the club's expansion plans.

Established more than 30 years ago, the popular club has outgrown its current premises and has well over 100 youngsters on the waiting list to join.

The cabinet office minister was told about plans to expand the existing site to almost twice its size to include community well-being facilities and a community hub.

He also heard how the club worked closely with local schools and the police to target people at risk of criminal or other anti-social activity.

Mr Maude said: "The club is a powerful reminder of how much people can do with each other and for each other in their communities and for their communities.

"It is all part of creating a bigger and stronger society."

During his visit he also called Brierley Hill-based Dudley Council for Voluntary Service, Mr Maude heard about Dudley Building Health Partnerships and work to make patient care better while allowing health staff greater freedom to innovate.