FALCON power is helping to attract and hone young rugby talent in County Durham.

Members of the North-East's premier team, Newcastle Falcons, are passing on coaching tips to youngsters on local development programmes.

Among the clubs helping to develop the fledgling Falcons of the future is Chester-le-Street RFC.

The Durham and Northumberland division three club welcomed Falcon forwards Ritchie Arnold and James Isaacson to a recent junior training session at Chester-le-Street Riverside.

Club schools' liaison officer Paul Kirsopp said the boys benefit from the expert advice, with the chance to earn a recommendation to the Falcons' academy if they impress.

"There's a good link with the Falcons and junior sections like our own, here at Chester-le-Street.

"We run teams from under-12s to under-16s. There's a development programme which comes in from under-13s onwards, and then the players can go into district teams, on to academy level and Falcons' academy."

The junior section recently benefited from a £4,000 Community Network Fund grant.

Paul said any interested youngsters are welcome to the Riverside for the weekly training, on Saturdays, from 10am until noon. For further details call Paul, on 0775-247 1410.