The funeral of former Lympstone boxing coach Neil Parsons BEM will be held on Friday, August 2 at Lympstone Parish Church.

Mr Parsons died on July 13 aged 81 years. He was well known locally for dedicating nearly 50 years of his life to his work with young men, using boxing to steer them away from potentially criminal behaviour.

He founded the Lympstone Amateur Boxing Club in 1968,  and made it his mission to bring troubled young people into the club, mentoring and coaching them.

He retired in 2014, shortly after receiving the Judges' Special Award at the Exmouth Business Awards for his outstanding achievements over the years.

At the time the chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, Ian MacQueen, said: “Neil has provided the boxing opportunities, emotional support and discipline that has changed the lives of many of our young people.

“With over 50 members the demand is so great that Neil successfully secured £82,000 of funding to extend opportunities for youngsters, both boys and girls.

“There are many adults living in Exmouth today who acknowledge the support they received from Neil when they were young.”

Mr Parsons was awarded the British Empire Medal in June this year for services to sport. He told the Journal: "I was honoured and humbled to receive the award. Doesn't normally happen to people like me, but it's all down to the kids that came through the club and the people in the background that I got this award."

Sadly, he had been in poor health for some time, and passed away before he could be presented with the medal.

His funeral service will be held at Lympstone Parish Church Friday August 2nd at 2pm. Family flowers only. Donations in his memory for BHF, Balls to Cancer and Lympstone School PTFA may be sent to Richard W. Gegg & Sons, Funeral Directors, 47, Rolle Street, Exmouth EX8 2RS.