ARCHERY experts are on target to go from strength to strength after setting up a new club – and now hope to attract the next generation of archers.

Archers from throughout Lancashire used to meet in Darwen at the Blackburn Rovers Sports Arena but were told that their slot on a Wednesday afternoon was no longer available.

It meant the club, which had 20-30 members disbanded.

But former member Harold Spacey, 70, took up the challenge and started a new club, ‘Straight 'n’ Arrow’, at a church hall in Feniscliffe.

He said: “There are about 10 of us at the moment. It's a nice, safe environment with nice people.”

Members are of mixed ability and range in ages from 40 up to 70 but all are welcome.

Harold and another member are qualified archery leaders meaning those starting from scratch can also participate.

With the summer holidays fast approaching, Harold hopes youngsters will take up the hobby.

He said: “We are qualified to teach young ones, teenagers would be fine, especially if they're keen.”

As Straight 'n' Arrow continues to grow, the group hopes to compete but members are currently just enjoying the sport: Harold said: “We're not competitive yet but we'd like to be.

“A couple of us are good, but we can teach anyway. If we get beginners, we can teach them.”

The group meets every Wednesday at St Francis Church Hall, St Francis Road, Feniscliffe.

The sessions run from 1pm until 3pm and cost £3, with proceeds going towards the upkeep of the church.