A TAUNTON boxer who took up his gloves after suffering from a stroke could be the “oldest in Somerset”.

Dave Vernon, 81, started training at Spartan Gym in Taunton two months ago, one year after the stroke.

Always a sports enthusiast, Dave, who started with football playing at a semi-professional level for Crystal Palace, said he wanted to step out of his comfort zone.

That is why he joined boxing classes, self-defence, classes, and one-to-one boxing under the guide of qualified coach Krystian Nadolski, who said Dave could “easily be the oldest boxer in Somerset”.

Dave said: “I started boxing two months ago, one year after my stroke.

“The oldest boxer I could find on Google is 76.

“I preferred boxing rather than going back to the gym and to what I already knew. I wanted to do something new.

“The thing I like about coming here is that everyone is treated equally. He keeps an eye on everybody and pushes them to be their best.

“It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life. It’s a totally different level, but I am pleased with that. I can only improve.”

Dave, who is originally from London, but lived in Taunton since 1971, in the past was also a keen tennis player, cyclist, and joined different running competitions and marathons.

His coach Krystian said he is an “inspiration for those people who come to the gym”.

Krystian Nadolski opened Spartan Team Taunton in January last year to provide gym sessions and boxing classes.

The gym is based on the Belvedere Trading Estate, where Krystian found a suitable building thanks to the help of the nearby Compass Wellbeing Taunton.