A KEIGHLEY Rifle and Pistol Club team have proved that age is no barrier to success, setting a new British record in claiming a national title.

Hamish Annand and Michael Daniels, both aged 70, teamed up with Paul Hargreaves to win Division One of the National Short Range Benchrest League.

And they did so in style, their tenth and final round seeing them enter the record books by claiming 600 points and 21 'X-shots' – meaning their 60 shots fired resulted in 60 bullseyes and 21 of those were exactly in the centre.

"The record was the icing on the cake," said Michael, who first began shooting at the age of 15.

"But it was also the first time we'd won the national top division and for a club like Keighley to do that is quite something.

"We just seem to have some good shooters."

Keighley's record saw each shooter claim 200 points, with Hamish claiming 11 X-shots, Michael seven and Paul three.

In benchrest shooting – a relatively new discipline – the weight of the rifle is taken by a stand.

Michael explained: "It makes it easier than standing or laying and means people of my age can handle the physical side better.

"But it's still a competitive sport and we have a number of youngsters and ladies also doing it.

"It's an easier way to get into shooting than traditional methods but you are still aiming at a bull two millimetres in diameter from 25 yards away."

Keighley Rifle and Pistol Club already have a big claim to fame, former Commonwealth Games silver medallist Michelle Smith having learned how to shoot at the club based near Parkwood.

The former Greenhead School pupil came second in the 50m rifle prone pairs with partner Sharon Lee in 2010's Delhi Games and also has British and European titles to her name.

Now Michael is hoping the club's recent win can inspire members to more success.

He said: "We've had several Yorkshire champions already and let's hope we can have more triumphs. Benchrest shooting has really taken off around the county and Yorkshire is a leading light in the format."