CHILDREN across West Devon are being given the opportunity to take up new sporting activities as part of a national scheme called Sports Unlimited, which aims to increase opportunities for young people aged 5 to 19 to participate regularly in sport.

Following last year's government announcement of additional investment into sport for this age group, a 'five-hour offer' will be created, which will be made up of two hours of curriculum PE plus three hours of other types of sport which can be delivered by a range of partners.

West Devon children will be given the opportunity to take up a range of activities such as archery, fishing, futsal, martial arts, multi skills and street dance.

A number of agencies and organisations are working in partnership to deliver these activities, with Sport England funding the project nationally, Active Devon and West Devon Borough Council managing the scheme locally and both Okehampton Community Recreation Association (OCRA) and Tavistock College delivering the activities.

West Devon Borough Council's youth champions Cllrs Christine Marsh and Mandy Govier welcomed the initiative. Cllr Marsh said: 'This is a wonderful way of encouraging young people to take more exercise, and perhaps to try something new.'

Cllr Govier added: 'This captures young people at just the right age and encourages them to continue such activities for the rest of their lives.'

Hannah Colston, sports development officer for West Devon Borough Council, said: 'Each activity we are delivering will have a club for them to join at the end of the sessions, and the project aims to encourage young people to participate in sport, both in and out of school.'

Sessions will be running after normal school hours in a number of schools across West Devon for the rest of the autumn term, then continuing after Christmas. For more information or to get involved in Sports Unlimited, contact Hannah Colston, sports development officer, 01822 813628.