A SHOOTING estate near Marlborough is scoring huge success among top guns throughout the south and south east and not a single bird has to lose its life.

The Kennett Shoot, a 700-acre estate in the Marlborough area, has been lauded by leading field sports magazines for the quality of its simulated game shoots, invented by James and Maggie Cameron, who moved to the estate three years ago.

The estate previously organised commercial game shoots but these were limited to the length of the shooting season, so Mr and Mrs Cameron looked for ways to raise a more regular income throughout the year.

Mrs Cameron said: "The terrain is fantastic for shooting and we did have some great years.

"But it was seasonal and after the foot-and-mouth crisis we had to look for ways of securing a more regular income.

"We decided to introduce simulated game shoots throughout the year to attract corporate business and newcomers as well as appealing to the traditional sports enthusiasts."

In the simulated shoots, hidden traps launch clay pigeons clay discs fired from a spring-loaded catapult exceptional distances and replicate the flight of wild game, including partridge, grouse, pheasants and even mountain hares.

The action-packed clay days are taking an increasing number of corporate bookings from companies entertaining clients and from private groups whose members want to organise an activity day with a difference.

The days are organised by shoot director Bruce Gauntlett, who makes them as realistic as possible to present a serious challenge to keen sportsmen at a fraction of the cost of wild game.

For more information ring (01672) 861607 or visit www.kennettshoot.com