BOLTON Metro Borough Council is offering an opportunity for schoolchildren aged nine years upwards to learn to play Badminton at Kearsley Community Leisure Centre, Bolton.

This is one of the best development sessions currently on offer for young people in Bolton. Sessions cost only £1 and you do not need to book, you can just turn up.

As badminton is one of the main sporting events coming to Bolton Arena with the Commonwealth Games 2002, this could be a perfect starting point for future world class players.

The sessions will run for 10 weeks from January 8, 2002, each Tuesday evening between 6.30pm and 7.30pm, leading up to the Games.

Badminton Coach Anne Fox said: "Badminton is an excellent, dry sport activity for aerobic, anaerobic, skill and teamwork. I hope I can help to encourage young people to take up playing on a more regular basis.

Bolton Metro will be distributing flyers to local schools about the Badminton coaching sessions offer. If you would like more information, contact Kearsley Community Leisure Centre on 01204 334141 (after 5pm).