THOUSANDS of people across the UK will be able to try shooting for the first time ever during National Shooting Week from May 26 to June 3. More than 175 public open days are being laid on by shooting schools and clubs across the country.

Members of the public are being encouraged to try one of the most exciting participation sports in a safe and friendly environment. Shooting is one of the most inclusive Olympic and Paralympic sports, where gender, age and disability are no barriers to success. National Shooting Week is a Government-backed initiative organised by the British Shooting Sports Council (BSSC), the umbrella body for shooting sports.

Participating schools and clubs in the south west include the Mendip Shooting Ground and Podimore Shooting Ground in Somerset and the South West Shooting School, Devon Shooting School and Newnham Park Shooting Ground in Devon. There are many more within travelling distance across the UK - novices can find out where their nearest shooting event is during the Week by going to www.nationalshootingweek.co.uk National Shooting Week organiser, Robert Gray, said: "At the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, shooting accounted for 23 out of the UK's 116 medals, so the sport will have a huge role to play in the 2012 Olympic Games in London. National Shooting Week is all about people experiencing a popular sport that Britain is actually good at."