FENCING sessions for children on a Ferryhill Station housing estate have proved an unlikely success.

The youngsters have been such quick learners that some have gained national qualifications and are to form a team.

Neighbourhood warden Andy Denholm said: "I was trying to find a diversionary activity to keep the kids away from anti-social behaviour and getting into mischief. "I was speaking to somebody who suggested fencing and it just started from there."

The first lessons, supervised by coaches Nicola and John Aberdeen at Ferryhill Station Primary School, led to some youngsters gaining the British Fencing Association stage one achievement award.

It created so much interest that Mr Denholm decided to set up a summer course at the Royal British Legion Club, which provided the facilities for free.

Money to pay for coaching came from the neighbourhood warden initiative fund which meant the scheme was free for the children.

Six of the students - Ashley Milburn, Shannon Brown, Bradley Gamsby, Liam Armstrong, and Sarah and Dale Brown - have proved so good that they are to get extra coaching.

And they are to challenge the Darlington Sword Club to a competition in Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre.

Mr Denholm said: "The whole crux of it was to bring a sport into the heart of a community such as Ferryhill Station which they wouldn't normally have access to and it's created a lot of interest."