A GROUP of aspiring archers took part in a taster day at Burton-in-Lonsdale's recreation ground.

The village, which has recently secured £50,000 towards a purpose built sports pavilion, hosted the event as a way of encouraging new activities in its community.

And the event saw 36 people, from six to 84 years old, give the sport a go.

The group of ten children and 26 adults, mostly beginners, were given an introduction to the sport by Northern Archery.

During the day, there were three, fully booked up sessions, including an introductory talk, initial stance and body alignment, and then straight into action.

One group of youngsters did a splendid job of showing up their adult counterparts by peppering the centre of the target with impressive consistency!

This was then followed by further demonstrations of hidden archery talent, leaving the instructors mightily impressed.

Participants received a medal and had an opportunity throughout to enjoy free cake, biscuits and soft drinks.

“It was a wonderful day, perfect for shooting arrows and introducing young and old to the sport of archery," said Martin Leonard, from the instructors. "Our country has a rich heritage in respect of the sport, and it is always great to see the enthusiasm of newcomers to the sport. "We hope we can assist the village in developing its own club in the next few months”.

Mark Christie, from the Burton Regeneration Group (BRG) said it had been a very positive event.

“The next step is to run a beginners competency course, which lasts 12 hours and is spread over four or six sessions”, he said.

“Although the course costs £75, it is excellent value for money and is prerequisite for joining the new village club which then will be affiliated to Archery GB. The Northern Archery team will come back to tutor the course. We’ve already had at least ten showing an interest in doing the course already.”

BRG will be funding equipment for the new club which should be established by next spring when the new village sports pavilion is built with a Lottery grant recently received from Sport England, along with minority grants from Harold Bridges Trust, Craven District Council and the Bernard Sunley Foundation.

Anyone is interested in the beginners course, which could run on Saturday morning or weekday evening, contact Mark on 64879 or email m.christie496@btinternet.com