FOOTBALLER-turned-actor Vinnie Jones will be in Suffolk next month to try his hand at a simulated game shoot.The Hollywood hard-man, who will be with the Six Mile Bottom Shoot, near Newmarket, has enjoyed game shooting for more than 10 years and been described as an "excellent shot".

FOOTBALLER-turned-actor Vinnie Jones will be in Suffolk next month to try his hand at a simulated game shoot.

The Hollywood hard-man, who will be with the Six Mile Bottom Shoot, near Newmarket, has enjoyed game shooting for more than 10 years and been described as an "excellent shot".

When he comes to the county in May, he will again try his hand at the prestigious game shoot but this time no pheasants or partridges will suffer – the "birds" will all be clays.

Unlike clay pigeon shooting, however, where the shooter will hear cries of "pull" and know where to aim to hit the target, the simulated game event may involve several clay traps fired at random at any one time.

The shooter will have no idea of where the "birds" will appear – just as in a live game shoot.

Head keeper Richard Clarke, of Lark Hall, who is a friend of Jones and devised the bird-friendly sport, said he was sure the celebrity would approve.

He said: "He'll love it. He comes out with us quite a lot and is a staunch supporter of field sports.

"The simulated event will never take the place of live game shooting but it is a great way of getting more people into the countryside and it works very well. It has all the thrill of a traditional shoot, such as the element of surprise and you can do it all year round – not just in the shooting season (October to the end of January).

"We also hope it will appeal to people who want to experience a real shoot without the killing."

The launch day, with Vinnie Jones, is by invitation only but Mr Clarke hopes his new idea, entitled "Summer at Six Mile Bottom" will attract interest from groups and the corporate market.

The Six Mile Bottom estate, owned by the Cunningham-Reid family, boasts one of the most exclusive games shoots in the country. Scores of society figures, Royals and captains of industry have pulled the trigger at Six Mile Bottom, including King Edward VII and Prince Charles.

With famous drives like Daddy's Bush, Deer's Land, Spike Hall, Carlton Grange, Round Plantation, Partridge Hall and Wadlow Wood, variety and excitement have always been the key to the shoot's success.

Mr Clarke hopes his new project will ensure the shoot continues to flourish as many of the countryside's age-old traditions come under threat from political correctness.

For further information about the simulated shoots contact Mr Clarke on 01638 570317.