Leith Vics in search down 90 great years

LEITH VICTORIA officials have launched a nationwide appeal for former boxers to play a part in the club's 90th birthday celebrations this year.

The club was co-founded in 1919 by workers at Leith's Victoria shipyard and Scotland's first-ever outright Lonsdale Belt winner, James "Tancy" Lee.

Since then the club has produced world champions such as Johnny Hill and, more recently, Alex Arthur, as well as British champions such as Jackie Brown and Alex Ireland.

Club official Douglas Fraser, who is co-ordinating the celebratory events, is urging anyone with a connection to the old club to get in touch and join in what he hopes will be a memorable year.

He said: "I appeal to any former Leith Victoria boxer, whether they won titles or simply represented the club in the ring, to contact me directly so that we can ensure a bumper turnout of former members at our gala 90th birthday programme during 2009."

Anyone interested in being part of the celebrations should contact Mr Fraser on 07932-008 182.