Hundreds of blind children in Bradford will now have the chance to try new sports following the launch of a specialist club.

Bradford Actionnaires was officially opened on Saturday when visually impaired children were able to take part in activities such as football, climbing and swimming for free.

Sports Minister and Bradford South MP Gerry Sutcliffe was at the centre, run by Action for Blind People, at the Richard Dunn Leisure Centre in Rooley Lane, Odsal.

He said: "I am delighted to open Action for Blind People's latest sports club.

"I believe that sport is essential to children as it encourages team work, builds up fitness and contributes to a general sense of wellbeing.

"I shall work within Government to enhance sporting opportunities for blind and partially sighted children both via clubs such as these, in mainstream schools and in society as a whole."

According to the charity, 80 per cent of the almost 400 visually impaired children in the city are from black and Asian minority ethnic communities.

A spokesman for the group said it is committed to working with local communities to ensure it is reaching out to children from all diverse backgrounds.

Bradford Bulls head coach Steve McNamara also offered his support.

He said: "On behalf of Bradford Bulls, I would like to wish Actionnaires every success for the future.

"We are fully supportive of any organisation that encourages young people to take up sport and Actionnaires is doing a vital job in this area with visually impaired people."

The club will meet every Saturday from 10am to noon and is open to all visually impaired children and young people from the ages of eight to 16. Younger children may also attend with a parent or guardian, while sighted siblings and friends are also welcome.

Lesley Inganni, Action for Blind People sports development officer, said: "Bradford Actionnaires offers blind and partially sighted children the chance to try different sports in a fun, safe and encouraging environment.

"The club is for everyone - whether they're budding Paralympians or have never tried sport before.

"We're very grateful to Bradford Council's Sport and Leisure Service for their generous support and everyone else who has worked with Action to make this club possible.

"Without funding for equipment, such as footballs with beads inside, or the hiring of specialist coaches, the club simply couldn't run."

For more information about Bradford Actionnaires or to volunteer for the group, contact Lesley on 07703 099354 or e-mail lesley.inganni@actionforblindpeople.org.uk.