MARTIN Peake, licensee of Lostock Sports and Social Club, has taken a look at youngsters' involvement in sport from a different angle - and come up with a winner, writes John Buckley.

What's more, it is proving a boost to some ailing pub sports.

Martin said: 'Not everyone is physically fit, not everyone wants to play football or rugby or is any good at either.

'They might even be obese or disabled, but traditional pub sports still teach teamwork just the same, as well as improving behaviour, self-esteem and pride.

'You can see the change in their general attitude. And that is what we have gone out of the way to promote at Lostock.'

Pool, snooker, table tennis, bowls and, notably, darts have all played their part in the efforts of Martin and the club in combating anti-social behaviour in the area.

It is not just sport; other activities such as radio-controlled car racing, drama, dancing and discos play their part too.

But it is through sport where the club has won public recognition.

It formed a darts team, comprising 16- and 17-year-olds, two years ago.

In their first season they were bottom of the Holmes Chapel League and this year have moved up a place or two.

But the league was so impressed with Lostock's youth policy that at the annual presentation it made a special award for the club's work for the community.

Martin said: 'Everybody here at Lostock now thinks the same way - I've brainwashed them.

'The youngsters coming to our club and playing in our teams have stimulated other leagues.

'Holmes Chapel saw what we were doing and it is marvellous for our work to be acknowledged like this.

'It was a complete surprise and very moving.

'The darts players impress their opponents wherever they go with their enthusiasm and have had offers of coaching from county players.'

The club, on Works Lane, went bust and closed in 1998, reopened briefly and then shut again the following year. Martin took over the licence in September 2000.

'Instead of sticking with the flat-cap image, I opted for a family-based club. I wanted the original atmosphere of a members' club, but involving the young more.

'It has been an uphill struggle ever since, but I know now we are on the right road and I can begin soon to make some cosmetic improvements to the place.

'Our sports teams all stemmed from fun days and we streamed those with potential into the sides. We provided lots of encouragement.

'So when it came to the darts team and they needed driving around to the different venues a few of us volunteered.

'We are hoping to help start a Northwich summer league soon.

'Other clubs and pubs have seen what we have achieved and even the police have noted the improvement in anti-social behaviour and become involved themselves by staging functions here for youngsters.'

Martin, 47, is a qualified engineer but both his parents have been involved in the club trade so he was not a total stranger to the life.

It his approach that is different and, at a time when social clubs are struggling to survive, maybe others should take note.