IT'S time for youngsters to get their skates on as a new roller skating club opens in Tavistock later this month.

West Devon SK8 Club has been set up by Horrabridge couple Karen and Alan Jones and their colleague Sue Grant who all work at a roller hockey club in Plymouth.

Karen Jones said: 'Alan and I live in Horrabridge and our son goes to Tavistock College. We held a roller disco for his last birthday party and all his friends absolutely loved it. They all thought roller skating was something they'd like to do, but Plymouth is a bit too far away for them to get to. So, we thought we would set up a club in Tavistock.'

West Devon SK8 Club has received support and funding from West Devon Borough Council and Sport Unlimited, a national programme to try to get 900,000 youngsters involved in community sport.

The club is aimed at five to 16 year olds and will start on April 21 with an eight week taster course on Wednesday evenings at Tavistock College's Sports Hall.

The club will offer a Learn To Skate programme with games for new skaters and roller hockey training for anyone wanting to play competitively.

Karen said: 'We're hoping to hold regular social events for the club as well like roller discos so families can come along and join in.'

The taster course will cost £10 and people are encouraged to register beforehand. To register, visit http://www.wdsk8.org">www.wdsk8.org or for more information call Karen Jones on 07970 544406.