THE first in a series of programmes aimed at helping young people to improve their sporting skills starts soon.

Darlington Borough Council has been working with the Durham Sport partnership to provide the sessions at the town's Dolphin Centre.

As well as improving skills, the programmes, in hockey, netball, tennis, rugby and cricket, aim to provide wider access to organised sport.

The first sessions will involve fun coaching of netball for 11-year-olds.

Qualified coaches will take youngsters through a skills awards day on Monday, February 19, or Wednesday, February 21, at the Dolphin Centre.

This will be followed by a ten-week coaching course, which will start on Wednesday, March 7.

For further information, contact Darlington's sports development officer Janet Cooper, on (01325) 243177.