SPORTY teenagers are needed to join a new basketball team - the only one in Ryedale.

Youth worker Andy Brown from Ryedale's Child and Youth Projects has dusted off his tracksuit to help a group of youths set up a basketball team in Pickering.

They have already called themselves the Flying Pikes and designed their own logo.

"So far there are 22 really keen teenagers who have joined the group. Now I'm hoping more will come along and find out more, as word spreads," said Brown.

He added: "At the moment this is the only basketball club in Ryedale and I am sure it will be popular. Other teams are playing competitively in Scarborough and York, but I am confident we can put some teams together locally."

To set up the team, Brown agreed to be their coach, which has meant he has had to train to take a coaching qualification.

The group, which is open to 13 to 18 year olds, meets on Friday evenings at 5.45pm in the Ryedale Leisure Centre on Swainsea Lane.

Amateur players are lending their support by travelling out of Ryedale to play in competitions.

"I am very pleased to have brothers Tom and Matt Waddington joining us, as they have both already played at district level, the young people will have a great opportunity to learn from them," said Brown.

Updated: 10:38 Wednesday, December 08, 2004