The former leader of a Winchester boys' club faces jail after admitting sexually abusing two boys more than 20 years ago.

Russell Cooper (48) was a well-known figure when he ran the King Alfred Boys' Club, Middle Brook Street, in the 1980s. He pleaded guilty to eight specimen charges against the boys, then aged between 12 and 15, at Winchester Crown Court.

Cooper admitted four indecent assaults and two allegations of gross indecency against one boy between November, 1981 and November, 1985. He denied one indecent assault and one gross indecency against that boy between November, 1980 and November, 1981. Against the other, he admitted one indecent assault and one gross indecency between August, 1983 and June, 1985. He denied two indecent assaults and two gross indecencies against the second victim, between June, 1981 and June, 1983.

Neither victim can be identified for legal reasons. Matthew Jewell, prosecuting, said the pleas were acceptable and means no trial will be held. Sentencing was adjourned to November 12th for preparation of a pre-sentence report. Cooper, now living with his mother in Finedon, Northants, was remanded on unconditional bail.

Robert Duval, defending, said: "It's accepted these are representative counts concerning a course of indecency spanning a number of years."

Mr Duval said his client realised he faced prison. "We are under no illusions as to the inevitable consequences of these pleas, but the court will be helped by a pre-sentence report. He would also like to submit references which, although we accept have limited relevance, show a different side of this man.

"The offences finished around 1985 and he has had access to young people since then without committing offences of this nature," said Mr Duval.

Judge Andrew Barnett told Cooper: "You don't need me to remind you this is a very serious matter and all sentencing options, including prison, will be open to the court."

KABC is now known as King Alfred Youth Activity Centre and is based in Winnall Valley Road, after selling up its city centre site several years ago. A member of staff last night declined to comment about the case.