A Wheelchair Rugby League team has started a schools programme offering pupils the opportunity to try the sport.

Gravesend Dynamite started the initiative in the run-up to this year’s Rio Olympics and Paralympics.

More than 120 young people tried out the growing sport.

Coach Tony Wyles said: “The children loved it but requests came in from school staff wanting to try it out too, so we might be going back.”

The first schools to have taken part in were Vigo Primary and St John’s in Rochester Road, Gravesend.

Any other school interested in having a Wheelchair Rugby League experience for free please contact wheelchair.rugby@yahoo.co.uk.

Several teams of beginners from Dartford Valley Rugby Club, Gravesend Rugby Club and schools across Gravesham also took part in the Theobald Trophy in May.

Organised by Gravesend Dynamite Wheelchair Rugby League club, the tournament – which raised £250 – is in memory of Gary Theobald who loved rugby but passed away suddenly in 2015.

“There were so many teams the competition had to be split in to two groups"- Jason Owner, club manager

Club manager Jason Owen said: “He didn’t mind if it was ladies rugby, first team senior rugby, veterans, girls, youths, boys, anyone – he just enjoyed seeing people enjoy the sport.

“So it was perfect to see children, youths, parents, rugby players and coaches all giving wheelchair rugby a try to raise money for the Gary Theobald fund, set up in his name, and win the Theobald Trophy."

The play-offs will be on July 16 at Medway Park in Mill Road, Gillingham, before a Gravesend Dynamite match.

The final will be between a GRFC ‘Moles’ select team of beginners and a team made up of St John’s secondary school staff and students.