ARCHERS in the Forest are to host the county championships for the first time and have set their sights on raising the profile of the sport and attracting new members.

Bowmen of the Deans is the only archery club in the Forest, with members aged from 10 to what's carefully described as 'well past retirement age'.

Celebrating its 25th year, the Bowmen regularly have three or four members shooting for Gloucestershire.

But now, for the first time, the Bowmen will be hosting the Gloucestershire County and Open Championships on August 14, which should attract contestants from all over the South West, Midlands and even further afield.

The Club is also looking to build its membership, aims to launch a junior club and offers beginner coaching courses throughout the year.

Originally based at Newnham Cricket Club, the Bowmen practice in the open from April through to September at King George V Fields, Coleford, every Tuesday and Thursday evening and Sunday afternoons from 2pm.

To find out more or if you're interested in sponsoring a prize for the County championships in August, go to http://www.bowmenofthedeans.co.uk">www.bowmenofthedeans.co.uk or telephone 07930 246600.