A PENDLE card club is helping to bridge' the generation gap between youngsters and adults in the borough.

For Brierfield Bridge Club has started teaching children how to play the card game, helping to shake off its stuffy image.

For years bridge has dealt up images of middle class couples and caravan holidays in the 1970s.

But now the hobby is set for a new lease of life with a new generation taking up the pursuit at the club's base at the Leeds and Liverpool Hotel, Clitheroe Road.

Chairman Geoff Wharf said the sessions were aimed at nine to 13-year-olds and would improve youngsters' maths and team building skills as well as teaching them the game.

He said: "It is pretty unusual especially for young children but they took to it like a duck to water.

"They really enjoyed it. We have a number of teachers and some adults playing with them.

"I think it is unusual for children these days to sit down with adults and play with them.

"Nowadays they are used to sitting down in front of the computer."

The club launched the classes as part of a series of events to give youngsters something to do during the nine-week holidays and received funding from Lancashire County Council.

Club members join up with children to teach them simplified version of the rules and they then play as part of a team.

All teachers had to undergo criminal record checks because to ensure they were safe to work with children.

Mr Wharf said the club has already received an ace reaction to the scheme.

He added: "It is a less complicated version of the game and it will improve their maths skills as well as teach them how to work as a partnership.

"We have had some feedback from parents saying the kids loved it and they are looking forward to the next session."

Sessions will be held every Tuesday between 10am and noon for the next five weeks.