Aspiring Robin Hoods have been flexing their longbows in Winchester this week, writes Katie Read.

The ancient Hospital of St Cross provides a perfect pitch for the 91st Southern Counties Archers Championships, with competitors from 13 counties setting up their stands to let their arrows fly.

The four-day event, which ends tomorrow, involves several hundred archers, with a separate category for the disabled tomorrow.

The traditional longbow competition involves each competitor shooting three arrows one way and three back-144 in all. A hit in the gold brings nine points, with seven for the red circle, five for the blue, three for the black and one for the white.

The winner is not necessarily the bowman with most points, but the one with most hits on target. Second place goes to the highest score and third to the archer with most golds.

"The ladies' arrow is slightly thinner, lighter in weight and draw and shorter than the men's arrow," said Graham Potts, field captain of the 2004 competition.

Neil Dimmock, who made the whole event possible, is an international judge at the European Archery Championships, starting in Brussels next Monday. But judges in the regional finals are all volunteers and it is purely for their love of the sport that they take part.

Russell French has been in the competition since 1993, winning seven of the eight he has entered. He comes from Hertfordshire and took up archery in 1971.

Legolas, in Lord of the Rings, is famous for his arrow-shooting skills. Millions of children have watched him and a few have been moved to try their hand. "It's a really good way to inspire kids," said Graham.

Nick Dimmock added: "It really is very satisfying. I love archery. It's my ideal sport. But it's like a disease-and there's no cure."

l If you are interested in archery, call the Office of the Grand National Archery Society on 01952 677888, or visit their website: www.gnas.org