HOT-SHOT shooters will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Marlow Rifle and Pistol Club this year.

The 120 club members include men and women and people who are registered blind, with ages ranging from 14 to 80.

The marksmen plan to celebrate with a party in the town 100 years to the day of their club's foundation on March 21.

Club chairman Peter Bysshe said: "It is unfortunate that people think of violence when they think of guns, but shooting really has nothing to do with violence.

"It is all about discipline and self control.

"There is no lower age limit to join, the only deciding factor is whether you can behave responsibly and hold a gun. Kids respond positively to the friendly, but firm environment and our president Bob Nicholls is registered blind and still shoots.

"He has some sight and uses a telescope to help him. For people who are totally blind there are lasers and audible aids that beep as you get closer to the target."

The club shoots at Court Garden in Pound Lane, Marlow, and like many shooting clubs across the country was formed in response to the army's poor shooting performance in the Boer War.

Mr Bysshe, a solicitor from Cookham Rise, said: "The British Army couldn't shoot straight and the South African farmers could with devastating consequences.

"The clubs were set up for civilians after the war but it paid off as many of them were called up and used in fighting.

"By the start of the First World War the British Army shot straighter than anyone else in the world.

"During the initial stages of the war in Belgium the British musketry brought the large German advance to a standstill."

The club caters for people of all standards from national and Olympic level to recreational users.

For more information about the club or to arrange a trial contact 01628 487084.