A NEW sports club designed to get disabled children involved in sport begins this month.

The Sports Ability Club will be open for youngsters in the Stockton area, aged eight to 18, with disabilities or special needs.

Organised by Stockton Borough Council's sports development team and Stockton Parent Support, the club will introduce youngsters to a variety of different sports.

The first session will take place on Saturday, January 11, between 10am and noon at the Billingham Campus School.

Two sports will be introduced each week to the group of 28 youngsters, with the help of parents, Stockton Parent Support members and local sports clubs which will be volunteering their time.

Norton Tennis Club, Teesside Mohawks and Billingham Rugby Club will also be involved.

Emma Warne, the council's sports development officer, said: "We hope that once the youngsters have met the club coaches and had a taste of the action, they can then go on to join the external club."

Tennis, rugby, football, basketball, dance, ice skating and table cricket are some of the sports being held.

There will be a small fee for the sessions.

For more information about the club, contact Ms Warne on (01642) 358511.