YOUNGSTERS in East Durham can get professional rugby coaching at sessions being held throughout the district.

The two-day workshops, for girls and boys aged eight to 13, will be led by coaches from the Gateshead Thunder and Peterlee Puma clubs.

The sessions are being held in each of the four Active Easington Hub areas:

* Central, Peterlee Pumas Rugby Club, Helford Road, Peterlee, Monday and Tuesday;

* Coastal, Dene Community School, Peterlee, Wednesday and Thursday;

* West, Wheatley Hill Community Centre, Monday and Tuesday, August 21 and 22;

* North, Westlea Primary School, Seaham, Wednesday and Thursday, August 23 and 24.

All sessions will run from 9.30am to 2pm.

Following the coaching sessions, there will be an assessment day for youngsters to achieve their bronze Rugby League Award.

The programme is being co-ordinated by Active Easington, the Sport England-funded programme based at Easington Primary Care Trust.

Becks Lippe, Active Easington manager, said: "This is an excellent opportunity for young people interested in rugby to learn from the experts

"The courses are open to beginners, and both girls and boys are welcome."

Anyone interested can register on the day but must be accompanied by an adult to sign a consent form. For further information, call 0191- 569 2870.