WHILE for some archery is just a matter of bows and arrows, for two men it is a way of concentrating minds and bringing people together. After breaking away from a national adventure company two years ago, former military men Alex Patterson and Paul Sykes decided to go it alone.

WHILE for some archery is just a matter of bows and arrows, for two men it is a way of concentrating minds and bringing people together.

After breaking away from a national adventure company two years ago, former military men Alex Patterson and Paul Sykes decided to go it alone.

Forming On Target Archery Ltd late last year, they have now rolled out a series of lessons aimed at any wannabe archery enthusiast, whether children or grandparents.

Their after-school sessions, which go ahead from 4.30pm to 6pm at John Grant School, Caister on Tuesdays and at the same time on a Thursday at Wroughton Junior School, Gorleston have drawn increasing numbers.

Running sessions during school time, they have also used their archery to help children with disabilities and explored broader adventure skills with 14-16 year-olds to help them gain self confidence and motivation.

However, though the pair also help students accomplish their Duke of Edinburgh awards under the banner of their business, for Alex it all starts with the archery.

Talking at an after-school session held at John Grant, he said: “That's the front line, and that's the name of our business though we have expanded out from that. It brings families, whether it's young or old, and it's about getting kids from their computers and getting people together.”

Attending this session, which saw over a dozen people being taken through the basics of hitting the target, was 10-year-old Casey Bane, who now has his own bow.

He said: “I started at Winterton Primary and I just like the feeling of being able to do archery, plus I have a few tricks to help and I try to beat my mum.”

Those interested can contact Alex Patterson on 07816972772 or 01502583690.