AN exciting range of sporting opportunities has been organised for West Devon residents both young and not quite so young this New Year ? just the thing for getting ride of those surplus Christmas ounces!

Stuart Lord at Okehampton-based OCRA said that as well as courses in an already established wide range of sports, such as football, skating/BMX, badminton and fencing, new sessions will be starting soon in the town.

Stuart said: ?We have new exercise classes starting up, plus a whole load of other things we are trying to develop.

?One of these is basketball for older kids and adults. We had taster sessions last term, which carried on from when we entered a team in the Devon Youth Games and won the silver medal.

?The aim is that there will be an adult team set up as more people get involved and we can get games organised with other teams.?

Stuart said a top gymnastics coach from Exeter will be coming to Okehampton to help and support the gym group in the town. There will also be more opportunities for girls to play football.

?Certainly, girls? football has been developing really well over the last six months and we?re continuing to work with the schools and the community with this,? said Stuart.

For more information on exercise courses, training schemes, sports facility hire or contacts with local sports clubs, call Stuart Lord on 01837 54546.