A NEW club for wheelchair-bound youngsters has been launched in Radcliffe.

The Wheelies Sports and Social Club had its first meeting at Coney Green Sports Centre on Saturday (Jan 11) and proved a huge success.

Youngsters aged four to 16 enjoyed indoor athletics and table-top games, as well as the opportunity to socialise with others in wheelchairs. And the Mayor and Mayoress of Bury, Councillors John Smith and Stella Smith, popped in to help get it off to a flying start.

And pictured displaying the strenth of Samson is Max Samson (8), who takes aim and prepares to heave off.

Yvonne Hall, co-ordinator for disabled sports in Bury, said: "Through our involvement with Whizz Kids, the charity for young wheelchair users, we learnt that a lot of local parents were unhappy because there was very little on offer for children in wheelchairs. We took this on board and Wheelies is the result."

She added: "The club is open to youngsters irrespective of ability. The emphasis is on fun and friendship, not competitiveness, and through this, we hope to encourage life skills and independence."

Help is given by pupils from Coney Green High School and parents who will take a turn on a six-weekly basis.

Mrs Hall said: "We can cater for 20 members and in the first session we had 15 so there is obviously a lot of enthusiasm for it."

Besides the weekly sessions, which are held between 10am and noon on Saturdays, there are also plans for a number of outings, including trips to Megabowl.

Mrs Hall said: "Robin Philp, the community development officer for Radcliffe Boro Football Club, will also be coming in to give football coaching sessions."

If you are interested in Wheelies, contact Mrs Hall on 253 6388.