YOUNGSTERS at a Barnard Castle school are aiming to become champions in shooting and fencing after they began to take lessons in the sports.

Pupils at Teesdale School have taken up the sports after head of PE Jean Brennan was successful in securing a £3,000 grant.

The project was funded by Durham Sport and supported by The Modern Pentathlon Association of Great Britain.

The Monday night after school sessions are run with help from modern pentathlon Great Britain coach John Richardson.

Currently the club has 16 members aged between nine and 11-years.

Ms Brennan said: “By giving our students the chance to try out these more unconventional sports within school, it provides them with an opportunity most wouldn't have.

“Four of our members already have horses, so they're well on their way to competing in events such as biathlons and pentathlons in the future.”

Pupil Sam Nixon said: “The club offers something different from other sports you can do. It helps you get fitter, and it's a cool thing to say you've been practising.”