Child cage fighting can go on

The social club at the centre of child welfare concerns after youngsters were allowed to take part in cage fighting has been told it can continue with the practice, pending final approval of a council.

A crowd of about 250 watched two boys aged eight and nine take part in a bout at Greenlands Labour Club in Preston, two months ago. Many more viewed the footage, which was posted on the internet and then subsequently attracted worldwide media attention and controversy.

Councillors ruled the club had breached its licence by allowing children to remain on the premises after 6pm, but ruled only that it should notify the council at least 21 days in advance of any event to be staged involving physical contact between children under 10.

Culture Secretary, Jeremy Hunt, condemned the event as "barbaric".