A BIDFORD shooting club has joined forces with a national charity to help disabled people access new activities.

A group of paralysis sufferers have taken part in several sessions at Riverside shooting ground on Salford Road with support from Sportability – a charity which aims to provide sport and challenging pursuits for people with paralysis.

As well as learning how to handle a gun, the group members have also acquired the skill to shoot both fixed and moving targets.

Dan Marshall, who was paralysed in a motorbike accident while working as a medical courier, organises local events for Sportability.

He said it was important disabled people had the opportunity to try new activities.

“It’s good fun but it also gets people out of their houses,” said the 38-year-old from Sedgeberrow.

“Some disabled people feel the world’s a bit frightening. Here, there’s a social side to it as well.

“You get to meet a lot of new people and that’s very important. The guys at Riverside have been great.”

Brian Quelch, who assists his son Andrew in the running of the club, said: “They’re only young people and its quite rewarding what’s happening here. It would be nice to get more support for Sportability.

“In shooting, disabled people can compete against able-bodied people. Some of the group have never even shot a gun and now they have found they can do it.

“We have found several people come along on club days. We try to make it a relaxing day out for them.”

The group is taking part in another session at Riverside on Wednesday, September 1. If anyone with paralysis would like to go along or for more details of free events in the area, call Sportability on 02089 590089, e-mail info@sportability.fsnet. co.uk or contact Dan via e-mail at dansportabil ity@gmail. com.