DARLINGTON Mowden Park Rugby Club has started a girls' rugby team, with training sessions for girls aged 12 to 16 held on Thursdays from 6-7pm.

Once skills have been developed it is hoped matches will be arranged against teams from throughout County Durham.

Girls' rugby is a recent RFU initiative to bridge the gap between mini and senior rugby.

Girls can play mini rugby with boys until the age of 12, but are not allowed to play junior rugby, meaning they have to wait until they are able to play women's rugby aged 16.

Anita Blackburn, one of the organisers of girls' rugby at Mowden Park, said: "It's a great opportunity for girls to keep fit, have fun, make new friends and play rugby.

"The club is a good place to socialise, with lots of activities for all ages.

"I hope that girls from all over the area will come along to join us on Thursdays. They are assured of a warm welcome and excellent coaching."

For more information call into the club on Yiewsley Drive, Mowden, or telephone Anita Blackburn on 01325 358083 or Tony Keeligan on 01325 374274.

Mowden Park Minis train every Sunday from 10am-noon, with age groups from under-7 to under-12 for boys and girls. New players welcome