SEXIST attitudes towards wo-men in sport will be tackled in a research project by a North-East university.

Northumbria University, in Newcastle, wants up to 60 women to join free sports leadership training courses.

Researchers will see how it affects their ability to break into male-dominated sports, such as canoeing or parachute jumping.

The Women into Sport project is costing £350,000 and has been funded by the European Social Fund.

Each volunteer will receive up to £320 in return for 40 hours of voluntary work. The work must be sports-related but can include sports club administration or first-aid.

Those who complete the scheme will be tracked to see if their qualifications and experience helped them find work in the sports arena.

Katy Storie, project co-ordinator, said: "We hope women completing the course will manage to get paid employment in sports initiatives or, at the very least, become valued sports volunteers."

To join the project contact Katy on 0191-227 3884.