AN ambitious scheme to set up a new sports club in the county town of North Yorkshire is under threat because of a lack of cash.

Fledgling plans for a fencing and shooting club in Northallerton are struggling to get off the ground and outside help is now being sought.

A series of taster sessions, supported by the Modern Pentathlon Association, at the Hambleton Leisure Centre have proved hugely popular across a wide age range.

But if a club is to be formed sponsorship from local businesses is now needed to cover the costs of the equipment needed - and a single fencing kit costs £700 while a competition pistol can be anything from £100 upwards.

And the organisers say that although four more sessions have been arranged for the next four months they could be the last ones unless some financial help is forthcoming.

"At the moment the Modern Pentathlon Association is lending us the kit and providing the coaching support that we need to operate," said the leisure centre's assistant manager Myles Strudwick.

"But we really need to buy our own equipment if we are to create the much needed club and if we are to keep the sports as accessible and affordable as possible for people.

"We can manage until Christmas but beyond that we need support to sustain even the monthly sessions."

The plans originally grew out of a series of holiday activities held by the centre, which was then approached by the Association with a view to making them more regular.

But plans to create the club have been hampered by the fact that, because the centre is a council operation, many grant-making bodies cannot help and therefore private sponsorship is being sought.

The four sessions are on September 17, October 15, November 12 and December 10. Shooting starts at 5.30pm and fencing at 7pm.

A shooting session costs £5 and fencing £10. Bookings can be made through Hambleton Leisure Centre on 01609-777070.

Anyone interested in taking part or helping with sponsorship should contact Myles Strudwick on 01609-767159.