A NEW sports group in Peeblesshire is off to a shooting start, with the organiser urging locals to take aim and get involved.

Dubbed as "one of the most inclusive and accessible sports available" newly-formed the Tweeddale Archers group is aiming to get anyone, no matter what their ability, to come along and have a go.

Now the group are established, the plans to launch the archery club were previously reported by the Peeblesshire News nearly two years ago.

Organiser Ian Gray told the Peeblesshire News: “It's taken much longer than anticipated to get going, but Tweeddale Archers is finally up and running - or rather, shooting! 

“We currently meet on Friday evenings in the Gytes Leisure Centre, although there are plans to add a second shooting night each week.”

Although it's an ancient sport, archery is increasingly popular around the country.

There are several forms of archery in existence, and the group practise "target archery" - the type seen in the Olympics. 

Ian added: “It's one of the most inclusive and accessible sports available - men and women, old and young, able-bodied and handicapped, experts and novices, can all shoot together on a "level playing field". 

“For safety reasons we've had to agree a lower age limit, you must be of at least High School age.”

For complete beginners there will be regular Beginners' Courses, which last four weeks and will be led by a nationally qualified coach. All equipment is provided and the cost of the course is £50.

The first course taking place in February is already fully booked, and the demand for the second course planned for April has soared with a limited amount of spaces left.

Ian has also set up a waiting list for those to register their interest. 

"We are also discussing the possibility of moving outdoors during the summer season, which obviously means the ability to shoot at much greater distances, but that depends on finding a suitable venue.

"So if you happen to have a spare field measuring at least 150 x 60 metres of level grass, we'd love to hear from you!"

To find out more, email info@tweeddalearchers.uk.