A GAME which allows blind youngsters to play competitively with their fully-sighted counterparts has scored a hit in Bury.

Goalball is proving a winner at Tottington High School, after it was originally tried and tested at Radcliffe High School.

Two of the country's leading experts at the game paid a visit to the Tottington school, in Laurel Street, to run a coaching clinic and pass on a few tips.

Harry Leese, who was a member of the national squad, and played internationally for four years before retiring after the Sydney Paralympics, was joined by current squad member Lee Hacking for the special session.

And pictured getting a feel for the game are: (from left) coach Harry Leese, pupils Jessica Bennett (12), Katy Bentley (12), Laura Leach (12), Robert Turner (15), Jamie Osman (13), Matthew Ablett (15), and coach Lee Hacking.

The game was first introduced into the borough on a regular basis about three years ago by Paul Miller, a teacher of the Visually Impaired with Bury Council's Sensory Support Service.

The indoor game involves two teams of three players who all wear blacked-out goggles. The aim is to roll a ball, with a bell inside it, towards the opponents' goal.

Mr Miller said: "Players orientate themselves using markers stuck on the floor. As all the players wear goggles, and therefore cannot use their vision, it means sighted, partially sighted and non-sighted players can join in together."