Britain's biggest ever athletics recruitment drive begins this week, through the Norwich Union Startrack scheme, with over 20,000 youngsters at more than 200 venues, being given an introduction to the sport during the school holidays. But the borough of Barnet is not taking part.

Star athletes, including European and Commonwealth 400m champion Iwan Thomas, international sprinter Marcia Richardson and 1988 Olympic bronze meallist Mark Rowland, are joining forces with partnerships between local authorities, clubs, schools and development organisers. For the first time since Startrack began more than a decade ago UK Athletics ,, motto: Fun to Fulfilment ,, is making sure there is a clear route from the scheme into clubs for the more enthusiastic and talented youngsters.

But children from Barnet who want to take part will have to travel to Bannister Stadium, Harrow, the Haringey Sports Development or Woodside Stadium, Watford Leisure Centre,

Jenny Belden of UK Athletics said: 'Startrack was in decline until last year when the CGU became involved, and it really took off again.

'Copthall Stadium would have been a choice for a top-grade gold fixture, particularly with a big-name club like Shaftesbury based there.

'I don't have a contact name for Barnet, but the scheme has been well publicised through Athletics Weekly, the internet, and press releases and I am surpised that there has been no response from within the borough.'

Shaftesbury official Bryan Smith said: 'It's puzzling that Barnet's near-neighbours Harrow, Harringey and Watford are all participating, but our borough is not involved.

'Shaftesbury plays its part in involving young people in athletics. We are the managers of the Barnet team in the annual London Mini-Marathon, and the Heathrow London Youth Games cross-country event.

'It seems that Barnet employs people who sit around in offices when they should be out and about making a contribution to our young peoples' involvement in sport.' Kim Tighe, Barnet Borough's Chief Recreation Officer, said: 'We have not been contacted by UK Athletics. But we do run our holidays schemes in the borough that include athletics, and there are other opportunities available for our children.'

After missing out on the summer exercise, Barnet will get another chance to become involved in the scheme, through the Norwich Union Winter Startrack, involving cross-country or sports hall athletics at weekends or during the October half-term. It's part of UKA's objective for athletics to be seen

'as a year-round sport.