Youngsters can try rugby without fear of being flattened by a tough tackle.

West Oxfordshire District Council is introducing tag rugby to its sports programme for those put off by the rough and tumble of the game.

Weekly tag rugby sessions will take place for anyone aged 11 to 14 at Witney Rugby Club.

Players tackle by grabbing fabric disks from a velcro belt around their opponent's waist instead of bringing them to the ground.

Sarah Sykes, the council's sports and recreation officer, said: "The aim is to introduce the game to people who have not played rugby before because they are worried about the contact nature of the sport.

"We want to encourage people to play rugby and the sport will be among the ones we focus on in our active sports programme next year."

The tag rugby sessions take place on Thursday evenings from November 2 to December 7, from 5pm to 6pm. They cost 1.50 per week or 9 for the full six weeks.

More information can be obtained on 01993 770382.