A BRIDGE player from Croxley Green is on a determined mission to reverse the decline in the game by encouraging schoolchildren to play.

Peter Lewy of New Road is now running weekly sessions at two local primary schools, Chorleywood and Eastbury Farm in Northwood, and hopes to expand to more in the new term in September.

He said: "They are so enthusiastic, and really look forward to it.

"It is different, it is fun, and it helps kids develop skills and talents.

"It is good practice for numeracy, and other skills like sorting into groups, while some of the cleverer ones are already using deduction.

"Bridge is a partnership game, so it is also good for team-building.

"They learn discipline, and that they have to follow rules.

"What they haven't learned is the poker face – they get too excited!"

Contract bridge is a competitive card game played across the world, at all levels from social to international, but the lack of young people coming into the game has caused increasing concern in recent years.

It is related to whist, with two partnerships competing to win "tricks" of cards, after predicting how many they will make in the "auction".

Mr Lewy, 58, teaches a simplified version known as mini-bridge, promoted by the English Bridge Union as an introduction to the full game.

He is being helped by two members of Watford Bridge Club, Dora Godivala and Alan Hudson, but has time to run the after-school clubs only because he is now semi-retired in his management training business.

In September he will be running new clubs in Harvey Road Primary School, Croxley Green,

and Haberdasher's Aske's Girls in Elstree, but hopes to spread to secondary schools.

He has contacted several more Hertfordshire schools, and is hoping other players will come forward to help him out.

Mr Lewy is providing his time entirely free, and all the cards and teaching materials are provided at no cost by the English Bridge Union.

Some Muslim children have told him they are not allowed to play cards, and Mr Lewy stresses that contract bridge is a game of skill with no gambling involved.

Schools, parents or potential helpers can contact him on 01923 446487 or 07710 608590, or at peter.lewy@ntlworld.com

Mike Hancock, president of the Hertfordshire Bridge Association, said: "I have been playing bridge for nigh on 60 years and am delighted that we have an enthusiastic youth officer

who is gaining interest in the game in schools.

"Forget the internet, Sudoko or whatever - bridge is the ultimate mind sport combining intelligence, psychology and fun.

"Teachers can help to stimulate their pupils with a bit of help from the county association -

get to it!"