Free taster sessions of pickleball in Stevenage are being offered by a club that is celebrating its popularity.

From 9.30am to 12.30pm tomorrow (June 26) at Stevenage Arts and Leisure Centre, Stevenage Pickleball Club will be hosting an event to encourage more people to get involved with the growing sport.

There will be speeches, taster sessions and games, with the opportunity for visitors to find out more about pickleball, and how to become a club member.

Starting as a friendly gathering of pickleball enthusiasts just three months ago, the club has since quadrupled the number of social beginner sessions held each week.

Alongside regular social sessions, the club has also started to compete in matches against other teams in Hertfordshire.

Stevenage Pickleball Club comprises of 70 members - a number which has doubled since its inception.

Bryan Clare, chairman of Stevenage Pickleball Club, who has been playing the sport for over six years, said: "Pickleball is an incredibly fun sport to play, and a great way to exercise without realising it.

"It’s a sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis and table tennis, but is easier to play than any of them, with the speed of the game making it much more accessible for older and younger players alike.

"Due to the sport’s accessibility, it’s much easier for senior people to play, which is not only great for their physical health, but also their mental and social wellbeing.

"Pickleball is a fantastic way to meet and connect with people. It's great to see people learning the game and improving their skill level alongside their teammates."

He continued: "Whilst we are so proud of the growth we have experienced so far, we are looking for more members of the community to get involved so we can be even more competitive when playing matches, and maybe even have two teams within the club.

"We are currently working towards hosting additional sessions, particularly in the evenings and at weekends, so that even more people can get involved and start playing."

Stevenage Pickleball Club currently hosts two-hour social play sessions at Stevenage Arts and Leisure Centre on Mondays at 11.30am, Wednesdays at 9.30am and Thursdays and Fridays at 3.30pm. To find out more, visit everyoneactive.com/centre/stevenage-arts-leisure-centre/?activitySearch=pickleball.