SCHOOLCHILDREN throughout the Keighley area could soon be in training to become Britain's next Winter Olympic gold medal winners.

Hot on the heels of Britain's golden success in curling at Salt Lake City Oakbank school is to organise a curling roadshow, using a form of the sport which does not need ice.

The 'New Age Kurling' form of the game was developed to give disabled sportsmen and women a fun game, but it has since become a favourite with disabled and able-bodied sports groups around the world.

Inventor, John Bennett, told KN Sport this week: "My son was disabled after suffering a stroke in his early 20's and was sports mad. I made the first prototype from a rubber discus with castors added."

He has since joined forces with an aerospace company to develop the design and it has really taken off.

It is being played in Japan, America, Germany, Holland and in the Middle East. there have also been calls from tiny Pacific islands and it is played in hotels on the holiday island of Tenerife.

"Interest was increasing all the time, but since the girls won Olympic gold the phone has been red hot," Mr Bennett said.

Oakbank were planning their involvement long before the start of the Winter Olympics, but the Gold Medal has really given the idea a boost.

"Everyone considered the idea a bit of a joke until GB picked up the medal, now interest is incredible," said organiser Andrew Sharples.

Junior schools, youth groups and disabled sporting organisations are to be invited to the Road Show. Anyone else who would like to attend should contact Gary Sharples on 01535-609155.