IT may pale into insignificance when compared to the vast money generated by the Joshua-Klitschko bout - but cash raised at an event hosted by the Freemasons of Furness will still pack a punch.

Local boxers slugged it out in the ring earlier this year during a night of good food and sporting achievement at the Cumbria Grand Hotel in Grange.

Now the spoils from the evening have been counted up and handed out - with local charities benefiting from an impressive £9,500.

It was the 31st occasion the event had been held and the total raised over the years now stands at £190,000.

Boxing chairman Gary Rogerson commented: “It is a tradition that the proceeds from the boxing are split evenly between local good causes and masonic charities, with the emphasis being on trying to help those Furness organisations that do not have a as high a profile as some, but are still very deserving.”

Cheques were presented to representatives from 11 causes ranging in scope from Ulverston Town Band to Ostley House and MIND in Furness. In addition, Furness Catholic ABC, Barrow ABC and Kendal Boxing Club also received donations.

Jeff Moses, head coach of Barrow ABC, brought along a number of his boxers and, in the limited space available, they gave a demonstration of some of their drills.

Also attracting much attention was Paul Rose of The Owl Sanctuary, who brought along several of his owls.

The boxing committee has already started to organise the 2018 event, when it is hoped the total raised will pass the £200,000 mark.

Next up for the Freemasons of Furness is the annual concert at the Coronation Hall, Ulverston, on Saturday May 20.

It will feature the group Full Benefit and the Fawcett sisters, with music across a broad spectrum including ELO and Adele.

Tickets can be purchased from the box office with all the proceeds going to good causes, including Jo’s Appeal.