ROBIN HOOD, Katniss Everdeen and Hawkeye ­have all propelled the ancient skill of archery into popular culture.

The sport is alive and well in Bolton and local group, the Bowmen of Overdale is entering its 70th year.

The Bowmen practise in Little Lever and have just started their outdoor shooting season.

Chairman and treasurer of the Bowmen, John Hebb, said: “It’s an enjoyable sport, you get to be in the outdoors in the fresh air and walk about.

“You walk over a mile when shooting 12 dozen arrows.”

Those with fingers itching to try out archery and see how challenging it is to hit the target are in luck.

Mr Hebb and his fellow archers are keen to encourage more people to try the sport and the club is offering a series of beginners lessons for £50.

The lessons total 12 hours and at the end participants will receive a certificate recognised by Archery GB allowing them to shoot at any archery club in the country.

Mr Hebb said: "We'll get them fitted for a recurve bow, find the right size, find out if they are left or right eye dominant and then teach them how to use the equipment."

No archery session would be complete without a chance to compete and novices will be able to take part in a scoring round.

The lessons are April 28, May 5 & May 12 from 9.15am to 1.15pm.

The Bowmen of Overdale shoot at Ladyshore Road playing fields in Little Lever.

If you are interested in taking part in the set of three lessons contact Mr Hebb on 0161 7930461 or email him at johnjhtca@yahoo.co.uk.

Find out more about the club at their website, bowmenofoverdale.org.uk online.