A SPORTING auction, raffle and shooting donations helped raised £20,000 to support BASC’s Youngshots project.
For the third consecutive year, a dinner at the iconic Inn at Whitewell, near Clitheroe, Lancashire, boosted funds for the scheme which introduces youngsters between the ages of eight and 21 to safe and responsible shooting.
Duncan Thomas, BASC’s acting northern regional director, said: “For a brief moment, I was speechless. It’s humbling to have been a part of such a successful evening which clearly shows the immense generosity of the shooting community.
“Introducing the next generation to our sport is a top priority and the support we received is commendable. The future for our Youngshots projects is secure.
“I would especially like to thank Lynn Scholes, one of my volunteer team, for pulling the event together. And our sponsors have been amazing, especially Alex Black from Eley Hawk cartridges.”
Around 180 guests packed out the dinner and many provided donations, including full driven game days at the Weeton Shoot and Meols Hall and a simulated game day from the Woodland Clay Company.
For the last two years, BASC’s northern region has introduced more than 800 youngsters to a variety of shooting specialisms, including air rifles, wildfowling, deer stalking, clay and game shooting.
And the Youngshots ambassador project, piloted in the north, has now given more than 30 youngsters responsibility for social events, conservation projects, ‘take a mate shooting’ and other key duties.