ORGANISERS say youth rugby is now beginning to flourish in Chester-le-Street after a five year programme was launched 12 months ago.

The Active Sports Rugby Union programme aims to help young people aged between 11 and 15 take part in the game at their local rugby club.

The programme, run in Chester-le-Street by Paul Kirsopp, is split into four stages, which are: attracting the interested, improving the committed, assessing and selecting the talented, and developing the talented.

Stage one began last September with pupils from Park View Community School, Hermitage School, Fyndoune College and Pelton Roseberry School.

As part of the scheme, each school has received five visits from coaches, followed by an inter-schools tournament at Chester-le-Street Rugby Club.

After a year in the game these youngsters are now attending regular Saturday morning training sessions at the club.

Any youngsters keen on joining the programme can contact Paul Kirsopp on 0191-422 1721 or 0775 247 1410