A GUN club in Christchurch has been presented with an award for supporting people with paralysis.

UK charity, Sportability, gave Hurn Rifle and Pistol Club the honour in recognition of its support their charitable endeavours.

The club, which is based on the business park at Bournemouth Airport, hosted their first event for the charity in 2012.

Since then, Sportability has introduced a total of 66 disabled people to shooting, thanks to Hurn Rifle and Pistol Club's continued support.

Sportability CEO, David Heard, said: "We have built a fantastic relationship with Hurn Rifle and Pistol Club over the years and they have been very enthusiastic in their support.

"As a result, we have hosted six events with them and introduced over sixty people with paralysis to a sport they may never have tried before.

"The effect for our participants is incredible - it helps them to get the adrenalin rush back into a lifestyle corralled by disabling conditions and focus on their ability.

"We look forward to putting on many more successful events together with the club."

Events look to give people with paralysis a day of fun and discovery, whether or not they have ever held a gun or pistol.

Using the club's 25 yard range and extensive knowledge, the charity is able to find solutions that enable people with conditions such as spinal cord injury, stroke, MS and others to try shooting.

Participants have had the chance to shoot various .22 rim rifles, plus .38/357 special under lever rifles as well as other guns that club members have brought along.

The award was presented to the club chairman, Keith Harris, by Sportability's Dorset and Hampshire area organiser, Tim Worner.