It will be some time before competitive action resumes at Isle of Man Archery Club despite the government giving the sport the green light to return.

Archery was one of several sports and recreational activities - alongside target shooting, flat green and lawn bowls, coarse fishing and paddleboarding - that the Isle of Man Government announced on Friday could resume following an enforced break because of the coronavirus pandemic.

But for the time being at least, archers will be restricted to practice and training with other members of their households.

Barbara Harris from Isle of Man Archery Club confirmed: ’The Chief Minister’s announcement that archery can resume was made after several weeks’ work with Isle of Man Sport, Archery GB (our sport’s governing body) and the club’s committee to produce risk assessment and procedural guidance documents that cover the present crisis.

’While we are pleased with the decision, it does not allow for an immediate return to archery as it was before the lockdown was implemented.

’Instead it will permit a limited resumption of practice/training on an individual or household basis only, and there will be no competitive shooting for the foreseeable future.

’We are still putting certain measures in place to guarantee the safety of all concerned and as such do not have a specific start date as yet.’