AN ENTREPRENEUR behind a new archery initiative has been invited to 10 Downing Street after being selected as one of the 100 companies to be promoted ahead of this year's Small Business Saturday.

Steve Ward, who launched Inclusion Archery in a manufacturing unit at Cleveland Industrial Estate in Darlington, will attend the gathering of small businesses at Downing Street on November 30.

Steve said: "I'm really excited about being invited. It's a great honour."

Small Business Saturday is in its fifth year and, in the run up to this year's event on December 2, the 100 selected businesses will be promoted on social media.

Steve and his wife Ann took the plunge to open the fully-equipped archery centre, with an 18-metre range, earlier this year.

The centre is open to anyone, with stag parties, weddings and parties all catered for. Instructors will also take the archery experience out to different locations, including school visits.

However, as the parents of an autistic son, Steve and Ann are particularly passionate about the benefits of archery to the disabled and people with learning difficulties.

“It helps with focus, and hand-eye co-ordination,” he said. “There is also a great sense of achievement which builds confidence.”

Steve got addicted to archery as a hobby a few years ago after being invited to give it a try at an event. He was a leader with the 19th Darlington Cubs at the same, so he ended up taking his qualification as an instructor in 2013, and his interest in the sport grew.

The business is open seven days a week, with adults being charged a basic rate of £7.50 per hour and juniors £4.50. All the equipment is provided, from small bows for six-year-olds, up to a full range of adult equipment.

To find out more about Inclusion Archery, go to www.inclusionarchery.co.uk, or call 01325 628850.