The government claims that CRB checks and other child protection measures are for young people's good. A Manifesto Club report, Hobby Clubs, shows that the main result of these measures has been to exclude the young.

Several hobby clubs have closed their doors to under-18s; and teenagers have been turned away from clubs if their parents would not accompany them. Adults have become wary of helping young people, with some coaches refusing to coach children.

John Bridgett, Retford Model Flying Club: ‘I think the sport will die - so many people now say that they don’t want to get anywhere near youngsters.'

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