THE image of bowmen lined up with arrows poised may conjure up certain film associations.

But a local group is aiming to hit the target rather than outwit the wicked sheriff.

The Valley Bowmen was formed in 1963 and boasts members of all ages.

Club secretary Tim Linter said: “We’re the only club in Huddersfield and one of about 80 in Yorkshire.

“We are quite popular and our next training course is already full. We also organise archery evenings for different groups including the local Lions clubs.

“It’s a really popular sport, although it doesn’t get the media coverage, and quite a few of our members are families who come along and enjoy taking part together.

“It’s a sport that people can compete at on more or less an even playing field.

“It’s good for discipline and concentration and we find this particularly benefits our younger members.”

During the spring and summer club members practice at their own fields near Honley, while they meet indoors at Royds Hall Sports Centre during the winter.

At the end of each season they hold a club championships, where the best target shooter is awarded a trophy.

At the weekend members got their bows and arrows ready for an end of season contest at the Paddock centre.

Standing 20 yards away they took part in a Portsmouth round, scoring points by firing at a range of targets including a tricky set of three.

The group trains people in archery from the age of 10 upwards and has both male and female members, including couples and families.

Last year it was awarded a community grant from Kirklees Council, which helped buy new equipment, including light-weight bows for younger members.

The group attracts people from all over Huddersfield and the Holme Valley who enjoy taking part in competitions as well as the twice weekly meetings.

And while archery is a much-loved sport, especially in Yorkshire, members have seen a boost following the release of certain films.

Dennis Haigh, one of the oldest members of the group who joined in 1971, said: “We don’t like to mention the Robin Hood name but we have seen a big upsurge in members in the last couple of years which I think is to do with films.

“There was an increase in boys wanting to join after the Lord of the Rings films came out and we’re expecting more interest later this year when the Russell Crowe Robin Hood film comes out.

“When I first joined you made your own bow from wood from trees and archery was part of the school curriculum.

“But it’s a good thing that more people are getting involved with clubs like ours. What I like about archery is the fact that you are competing against yourself, like golf.”

For more information on the club visit www.valleybowmen.co.uk