LUDLOW police officers, who have introduced hundreds of young people to organised sport, are now involved in ambitious proposals for a new purpose-built contact sport centre in the town.

They are working with Ludlow Judo Club, Ludlow Amateur Boxing Club and other interested parties to put forward an application for a major Lottery grant to fund the project. The aim is to provide a gym and changing facilities for boxing, Judo and other martial arts sports.

This proposal is the latest sporting venture organised by Ludlow police. PC Tony Sewell said: "It all started a few years back with the South Shropshire Youth Forum Fitness and Football Project, thanks largely to a grant for £1,300 from the Community Foundation for Shropshire and Telford.

"Initially, this project was set up to provide disaffected youths with a positive way of spending their time which they would enjoy. Soccer provided that outlet and it has been a huge success."