KEIGHLEY'S 82-year-old rifle and pistol club is applying to build a £150,000 range which will allow it to fully cater for the needs of disabled shooters.

The club aims to build a new All Abilities Shooting Centre, next to its existing range in Parkwood, subject to securing planning permission and the necessary funds.

Its secretary, Michael Daniels, said: "Often, those with disabilities do not get the opportunity to take part competitively.

"It simply isn’t possible because of their disability and therefore they miss out on the thrills and challenges that competing can bring.

"But most disabled people can be taught to shoot – from quadriplegics to amputees."

He added that many would be surprised to learn that blind people can shoot too, using a technique known as acoustic shooting.

A device mounted on their rifle detects light on the target, which is converted into sound conveyed into the earphones worn by the shooter.

They can then gauge how close they are to aiming at the centre of the target based on the pitch of this sound.

Mr Daniels said this acoustic shooting would also be made available if the new shooting centre in Parkwood is successfully developed.

He said: "There are now more than 20 clubs in the UK offering acoustic shooting, mainly located in the south of England.

"In the north, only one club exists – Blackburn Rifle Club.

"We wish to offer access to this exciting sport for the blind community in Keighley and parts of West Yorkshire. Whatever the disability, shooting can bring a sense of self-worth as people try to improve their own performance.

"You wouldn't believe how enthusiastic they are. It's also a chance for them to get out and meet other people. The social aspect is a big part of it."

Keighley Rifle & Pistol Club was founded in 1933, and has been at its base in Parkwood Quarry, St Paul's Road, since 1946.

It has both an indoor and an outdoor range.

Mr Daniels said: "Our indoor range is a third-hand post war concrete sectional building, that is not adaptable for wheelchair access.

"We already have several disabled members, but want to offer facilities for people with wheelchairs and many other kinds of disabilities, including the blind community.

"We are not a wealthy club. In fact it has taken 50 per cent of our reserves, just to pay the planning application costs.

"Our plan is to ask Sports England's Inspired Facilities Programme for a £75,000 grant, which would cover half the cost but as always funding for something like this has to come from many sources."

He said the new facility would be a one-storey property comprising 14 25-yard shooting lanes, a meeting room, kitchen and toilets suitable for people with disabilities. The current range will be retained.

People prepared to contribute to the club's fundraising for the new shooting centre can e-mail rimfirerange@gmail.com to offer support.